The Gower Telford

In 1873, when the ‘Ally Pally’ burnt to ash in North London, the cornerstone of The Gower building in St Georges had been laid and marked the beginning of a history that succeeds in the purpose of the original palace to: serve as a public centre of recreation, education and entertainment. As you will be well aware, The Gower’s long history has touched the lives of many people, past and present.

When, after some years of neglect, the threat of demolition emerged, local people led the fight to save the building and start a journey towards the next chapter in the building’s history.

Regular events and activities involving hundreds of local people were suddenly halted by the CoViD-19 virus.

This after several years, of tireless work by the local registered charity Gower Heritage and Enterprise Foundation (GHEF). The day-to-day management activities were carried out by volunteers and involved fending off intruders, co-ordinating volunteers as well as developing a detailed plan for the future of this much cherished asset.

The plan continues the history into the 21st century by extending the building to provide education, training and wellbeing for all. It describes a vision that attracted funds to enable GHEF to benefit from professional expertise and develop a sustainable project to serve north Telford. It was clear, however, experience from similar projects we visited across the region, the road to “Open Day” spans years not months. The journey also requires passionate local people working in co-operation with supportive local authorities in order to access the levels of funding needed to realise the significant positive economic, social and health outcomes a project like this would bring.

In our case, early engagement with Telford and Wrekin Council and St Georges and Priorslee Parish Council seemed to reflect agreement with this key principle of co-operation. At first.

For now, it is a great disappointment that our plans which are rooted in the local community and designed to support and strengthen that community are to be swept aside in favour of proposals that benefit the Parish Council. They are set to take up residence in a newly refurbished building. Practically all of the grounds, which have been the scene of many enjoyable events and occasions, are to be concreted over for housing! These proposals do not reflect the needs of local people. Rather than alleviate the problems faced by local people as the nation emerges from a devastating global pandemic, the Councils’ plan will increase pressures on already stretched local services.

GHEF’s original vision is what is needed now. Our community has been impacted by significant challenges over the past year. A lack of social contact results in greater isolation. Mental and physical stresses arising from the pandemic have increased for individuals and families.  This is an opportunity to do what is right for local people. It is not the time to put cash before community.

The circumstances in which we find ourselves as we approach Summer 2021, require a bolder vision than that proposed by our councils. Their duty is to support the community in bouncing back after the battle against CoViD-19.

GHEF remains committed to re-establishing The Gower building as an asset to the community. Its grounds retained as a vital green space and valuable community resource. The current plans of our councils are completely at odds with this and we fundamentally disapprove of them.

We are certain, local people will also consider our council’s proposals and come to a conclusion. Many will agree the long-term wellbeing of local people should come before short-term cash windfalls. Together we must focus our energies and reject these short-sighted proposals.