QUOTE (blackdog @ Nov 8 2017, 03:06 PM)
Could someone explain where it is suggested that any public money should be spent on this?
I don't think there is any suggestion that public money should be spent, although a good few are thinking the landlord or the occupier BT ought to cough up. I must admit, I'm nonplussed as to why Councillors are even discussing this micro issue; particularly given the rather more serious issues that should be attracting their focus and attention. I certainly haven't heard any serious disquiet.
Maintaining and developing a good built environment is very important. Good townscapes are developed over many years and ought to contain rather more than Disney film set designs. Arguably, the Exchange is a reasonably well designed and preserved example of its type - why does it need hiding or demolishing? Liking it or not is down to personal taste, and fashions come and go.
So in development terms, the real planning strategists ought to be protecting it. It's certainly a far better building than the rather dreadful very modern construction directly opposite on Bear Lane. For these reasons, the cynic in me smells a rat.