Dear Editor. Why does John Griffiths (July 13) have to call for an end to the debate on the Central Library just now when Councillor Whitby remains adamant that its fate is already sealed?
Could it be that, despite the bluster, the council fears that the Government will agree with English Heritage and Friends of the Central Library that the library has architectural merit and should not be demolished?
Is Mr Griffiths attacking the Central Library to take our minds off the lacklustre reviews given to the new library and the cool reaction of Birmingham people who have been unimpressed with what they have seen?
Madin’s Library, in contrast, was warmly welcomed in 1973 when the Architects Journal reported: “… The view of the building from the west is marvellous, there are some fine quiet little spaces between old and new and the little pedestrian plaza in front of the Town Hall is already charming.
The image of the building has been very widely accepted and is much liked, especially since the spreading ziggurat shape has impeccable planning origins as well.”
Thirty-five years and several recessions later, this fine building needs loving care, not deliberate neglect, refurbishment rather than demolition.
And even if its looks aren’t to everyone’s taste, its wanton destruction will not help anyone to accept the council as a world leader in sustainability, an issue of which Mr Griffiths, as a representative of the energy-hungry property business, should be acutely aware.
Alan Clawley,
Friends of the Central library.
