The deeply unlovely former Commercial Union building that was imposed on Pilgrim Street for forty something years is now a heap of graded rubble. It did have a late and honourable existence as a hub for many 'alternative' organisations and art galleries, and, in this iteration at least, was a generous and useful space for organisations and collectives that famously contribute much for very little financially. What became of these when the building was closed I do not know in any detail.
The great thing about such architecture is that it comes down easily. A similar eyesore on Sandyford Road, the old Tyne and Wear Council offices built using the discredited clasp system, is also in process of moving in the direction of clinker. That leaves one other Truly Ugly 20th Century Buildings on the author's list to be dealt with ... Hopefully.
What made the former Commercial Union offices stand out was that it stood out. Literally. The idea, as explained to me by an architect, was that these air grabbing buildings were conceived to block vistas. They acted like a screen to hide views down important streets. Why I can but guess. The only other example of this 'innovation' for urban spaces, the former Norwich Union building on Collingwood Street went to recycling years ago. The consequence was immediate and welcome. Space and light once more, enhancing neighbouring, older buildings, instead of detracting from them. Hard and soft landscaping and refurbishment of the Stephenson Memorial has given back something to the city. I hope the same can be said for Pilgrim Street. One immediate gain has been the view from Northumberland Street; distant trees and the unmistakeable spire of Saint John's, Gateshead Fell.
The site when cleared is proposed for a huge office complex to stand alongside so many others around the city who have either been abandoned or never had a serious use since completion. Why not convert these into apartments? Why not indeed when so much Green Belt waits to be turned into profit?
Watch it come down!
