The Palatine Buildings (above) are under threat of demolition. Picture Courtesy Victorian Society
The Victorian Society has asked English Heritage to save the Palatine Buildings, on Manchester's Victoria Street, by listing them.
The site is currently occupied by Chetham's Music School who have applied to demolish the trio of buildings as part of a redevelopment scheme which would replace them with a strip of lawn.
"They may have modest architectural character but they are a key part of the historic streetscape in the oldest part of Manchester," said Kristian Kaminski, Conservation Adviser for the Victorian Society.
"They sit on a very busy road and give a well-defined, robust edge to the public space, as well as shielding the Medieval complex behind from the noise and pollution of the highway."
The Victorian Society has asked English Heritage to consider listing the buildings. Picture courtesy Victorian Society
The Manager of the Manchester and Leeds Railway Company built the Palatine Buildings between 1837 and 1845, while Victoria Station was being built one block away to the North-West.
Many of the original features of the buildings are still intact, although alterations have removed the parapets, cornices and window sashes.
"To destroy some of the earliest surviving railway buildings in Manchester for a strip of lawn which will border a busy A-road is utterly wasteful," added Kaminski.
"Demolishing a building which makes a positive contribution to a conservation area is also contrary to government planning advice. These buildings enhance the Cathedral Conservation Area and the society believes they must be kept."
For more information on the Victorian Society visit the Victorian Society website.
