Stanley Dock-Lets Hope This New Scheme Is Not Hot Air.

The Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse has lay rotting for over 50 years.
It can be restored, I recall playing as a child in the open space that was the Albert Dock. Fishing for Flatties. Strolling amongst the grand ruins wondering why.
How many false dawns have we heard to get this historic landmark, a listed building.
Wasn't it Urban Splash that were about to do a scheme, our heritage saviours who really did cock up Park Hill along with English Heritage and their Chief Exec Dr Simon Thurley.

The Tobacco Warehouse Standing 125 foot (38m) high, the building was at the time of its construction, in 1901, also claimed to be the world's largest building in terms of area. Its construction used 27m bricks, 30,000 panes of glass and 8,000 tons of steel. It was designed by AG Lyster, the Dock Engineer, but Arthur Berrington almost certainly played a part.
The distinctive tobacco warehouse at Stanley Dock is the world’s largest brick warehouse.


English Heritage call it a travesty and keep it snug on the EH "At Risk" Register.
Even Dr Simon Thurley comes out of his Ivory Tower to say how important the Industrial Heritage is to the country.
Despite allowing Manchester Dock to be destroyed that predated the Albert Dock by 60 years.
English Heritage said that listed industrial buildings were more at risk than almost any other kind of historic site. This was said, In a general comment press pack, Alan Weston slots it into a story he did on October 19th 2011 http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2011/10/19/liverpool-s-stanley-dock-included-in-english-heritage-at-risk-list-92534-29619805/
He writes: Chief executive Simon Thurley said action was needed to save what he called the “world’s most important industrial heritage”.
The decision to focus on industrial heritage is backed by a poll of public attitudes, which revealed that 86% believed it was important to value and appreciate buildings such as mills and collieries, and 80% thought they were as important as country houses and castles.
Dr Thurley said there were many reasons for people to be passionate about industrial heritage. He added: “Part of it is family ties, there are so many people whose families have been involved in these industries.
“Many of the buildings are extremely prominent in their locations, such as big chimneys or big buildings, and people acquire affection for things around them.”


So two weeks later after it was announced as a "At Risk" building a  fresh press pack from Malcolm (let's regenerate my political career) Kennedy hits the local press.
In which a plan is announced to renovate it and its area.
But there is controversy last nights BBC Northwest News said there was a problem that need more explaining. http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/b016p50v/ They said 10 minutes 42 into the article that the Regional Growth Fund Members had recieved millions.
In Parliament questions were asked about the RG fund which decides were the cash goes.
The BBC alleges one of the recipients that was co-owned by a panel member that decides were the the fund goes and that it is said is, RedX Pharma.
The Government said that a panel member has declared an interest but played no part..............apparently.
The Eldonian village will get a new power station so they are to remain silent to any of the new developments.  http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2011/11/02/eldonians-rose-like-a-phoenix-from-flames-92534-29703573/ The first two projects for immediate delivery are the mixed use redevelopment of the landmark former tobacco warehouse at Stanley Dock and a low carbon combined heat and energy plant and work space by the Eldonians. David Bartlett says.Far more delving into this scheme needs to be done and it looks like the local papers will not do that.



http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2011/11/01/stanley-dock-rebirth-at-heart-of-130m-cash-boost-for-north-liverpool-92534-29695756/
Instead they anounce another dawn for the derelict area........in a recession, that apparantly has funding?
http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2011/11/02/stanley-dock-plan-developer-revealed-as-harcourt-developments-builder-of-new-titanic-attraction-in-belfast-92534-29703575/
It is now announced that a Titanic Theme Park Developer is to transorm the redundant warehouse.

Cllr Malcolm Kennedy, cabinet member for regeneration and tourism, said it was great news that would act as a catalyst for further development.


“It will give a major impetus to the regeneration of the area and to the green energy agenda which will benefit the city as a whole. This approval provides the bridge between the transformed city centre and the tremendous investment opportunities in North Liverpool.”

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/views/liverpool-daily-post/2011/11/01/stanley-dock-scheme-the-key-to-north-s-revival-92534-29695673/ Lets hope they dont have

The City Fringe Programme for north Liverpool is intended to provide an investment strategy for the area between Liverpool city centre and the Liverpool Waters Enterprise Zone to ensure future employment growth while the regeneration of this area proceeds.


It includes plans to revamp the junction of Leeds Street and Great Howard Street to breakdown the physical barrier between the city centre and the more industrial area to the north.