Conservation Area Appraisals: Palmyra Square

Warrington Borough Council Environment & Regeneration Planning Policy Division

OCTOBER 2007

APPENDIX 5 APPENDIX 4 APPENDIX 3 APPENDIX 2 APPENDIX 1 6.5 6.4 6.3 6.2 6.1 6 5.7 5.6 5.5 5.4 5.3 5.2 5.1 5 4.6 4.5 4.4 4.3 4.2 4.1 4 3.5 3.4 3.3 3.2 3.1 3 2.4 2.3 2.2 2.1 2 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1 CONTENTS Boundaries Responding toPressuresfor Development andChange Mainly Public SectorIssues Mainly Private SectorIssues Addressing theNegative Factors ISSUES FORACONSERVATION AREAMANAGEMENT PLAN of Summary Townscape Analysis Negative Factors, Loss,andDamage Intrusion The Public Realm Maintenance /Upkeep / Vacancy &Details Materials The Contribution ofLandscape-QueensGardensasremodelled Spatial Qualities TOWNSCAPE ANALYSIS Wilson Patten Street Museum StreetFrontages The 1985ExtenisiontoPalmyra Area SquareConservation Museum StreetCharacter Area- The Contribution ofBuildings Palmyra Square Character Area- The Character &Appearance ofBuildings Character Areas ANALYSIS OF THE AREA’SSPECIALQUALITIES AuditHeritage Changing Character Queens Gardens Development thelatterC19th during Development andHistoric Origins Area oftheConservation ORIGINS &HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT General Character andPlanForm Land Form &Setting AreainrelationtothetownThe locationoftheConservation centre Warrington’s Development Strategic LocationandEarly LOCATION &SETTING ofmainfindingsthisappraisal Summary Consultation Preliminary AreaAppraisalsConservation Areas Conservation Background toPalmyra Area SquareConservation INTRODUCTION Summary ofLocal Geology Summary AuditHeritage ReferencesHistorical Consultation Results ofPreliminary Legal andPolicy Framework Areas relatingtoConservation

1 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal Town Centre Conservation Areas Town extensions Square Conservation Area showing Palmyra Town Location of the Strategic Aerial Photograph and Built Form Spatial Arrangement Map 1772* and Donbavand Wallworth of Extract 1826 Manorial map* Survey Legh Estate Map* 1851 edition Ordnance Survey* 1888 edition Ordnance Survey* 1907 edition Ordnance Survey* of the conservation area and appearance to the character of buildings Contribution Analysis Townscape Proposed boundary modifications.

Fig.1 Fig.2 Fig.3 Fig.4 Fig.5 Fig.6 Fig.7 Fig.8 Fig.9 Fig.10 Fig.11 Fig.12 Fig.14 Libraries Warrington the of permission kind the with reproduced are thus marked documents The * and Museum Heritage Service. PALMYRA SQUARE CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL CONSERVATION SQUARE PALMYRA AND DIAGRAMS LIST OF PLANS Fig.13

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 2 overall appearance. and seclusion from the bustle of the main streets though parked cars and the intrusion of trees trafficoverhanging marred the with attractive potentially being as noted were gardens public interest.The historic or gested by the Warrington Civic Society for inclusion list in of the buildingsstatutory of special architectural ings. It was however noted that there were several buildings of in importance the area which had been sug- the grouping of the buildings and the spaces created by their grouping rather than from the individual build- buildings were at the of heart the town centre’s main officesurrounding area.its The basicand quality of theTown areaNewsquare derived expansion. from proposed The of context the in prepared plan, centre history. Palmyra Square had been indicated as a potential Conservation Area in the 1969 and consultant’s character reflected traditional Warrington’s which buildingstown remaining the protect to necessary was , post -WW2 years and that conservation policy, which had been introduced in the 1967 Civic Amenities Act The noted designation that report many buildings of note had been demolished in the town in the pre- and Areadesignations.County BoroughConservation Palmyra Areawas SquareConservation designatedinJanuary1974,beingthethirdofformer character. Warrington. Their locations are shown on Figure 1. Though in close proximity, they are all quite different in of town un-parished the of core historic the covering areas seven of conservation one Palmyrais Square 1.1 Background toPalmyra SquareConservation Area 1 INTRODUCTION

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Figure 1: Town Centre Conservation Areas Centre Conservation Town Figure 1:

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 4 Figure 2: Palmyra SquareConservation Areashowing ExtensionsandCharacter Areas

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Conservation area designation does not prohibit new and development, is not the same as preservation. new However, development in a conservation area should either preserve or enhance the character of the area. appearance or Conservation areas create a framework within which to safeguard the character of a whole area by Conservation areas create a framework within street patterns buildings. and the spaces between individual buildings, which of; the contribution acknowledging to safeguard the character of a whole area by The statutory definition of a conservation area ‘an is area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable (Listed to Buildings preserve & or Conservation Areas) enhance’ Act (Section 1990). 69 The of areas designated the as widely Planning conservationfrom historic town areas or village centres vary to sites of industrial or former industrial The interest. may be can They historica as such populated sparsely quite or parkland. Centre, Town a as such up built heavily to verycanals. long linear routes such as from small areas such as churchyards vary in size historic areas by inappropriate new development. This concept has been incorporated into planning Conservation Areas were introduced in 1967 by the Civic Amenities historic Act in areas response by to the inappropriate erosion new of development. This legislation namely concept the Planning has (Listed Buildings & been Conservation Areas) incorporated Act 1990. There into are now over planning 9000 conservation areas in England. What is a Conservation Area? 1.2 Conservation Areas 1.2 Conservation The Conservation Area is within the Bewsey and Whitecross ward of Warrington Borough. Warrington of Whitecross ward and The Conservation within the Bewsey Area is Palmyra Palmyra Square Conservation Area now extends to 6.27 hectares and includes some to The boundariesby reference 105 are best described buildings map base. identified from the Ordnance Survey as Figure 2. In response to concerns over piecemeal demolition of properties, in November 1995 a further extension was approved to encompass Museum Street and the corresponding 1996. being confirmed School, this in May Green Church and Sunday together with the Friars frontage of Wilson Patten Street, The original designated area consisted of Queen’s Gardens and the surrounding buildings and included two undergone has area conservation Square Palmyra hectares. 4.3 some all in Museum, and Library the Plan recommended the inclusion of the lower Centre Local Town The 1982 further extensions. houses. town Georgian listed Street Stanley the and House Stone listed the including Street Bold of section 1985. in November designated was This 1.9 hectare extension -to preserve those elements which collectively or individually or unnecessary threats of unsympathetic or and from potential redevelopment neglect or decay give the area its special character, from alterations; and repair of property the proper maintenance -to encourage action in frontage collective including painting schemes; of character the impair not does and surroundings its with keeping in is redevelopment any that ensure -to the area; -ultimately to take positive steps to improve the environmental quality and visual appearance of the area with particular regard to landscape, advertisements, street furniture traffic. and diminish the impact of vehicular consideration of measures to The stated objectives of conservation policy were: conservation of policy were: The stated objectives

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 6 demand for car parking has resulted in former gardens being paved over wherever access can be ob- be can access tained, withconsequentlossoftreesandgreenery.wherever over paved being gardens former in resulted has insatiable parking development.The car new for by demand replaced and demolished been have few a whilst occupation and have beenalteredfor example by changesinthetypeofwindows. Somehave undergonechangesinuse repair.and maintenance of degrees varying perhaps with Manyeffectscoupled weather relentless of the Meanwhile, buildings within the conservation area, now mostly in excess of one old, century have endured have alsoundergonesignificantchangesinparallel withnationaltrends. profoundly been has centre town the affected by of redevelopment and other appearance changes, whilst local patterns of and economic, leisure and social activity character the designation, original the Since 1.3 Conservation AreaAppraisals three decades.than more of period a over policy conservation of effectiveness the assess to which by yardstick useful a provide thus and today valid remain large and by 1974 in stated policy conservation of objectives The An outlineofthelegalandpolicyframework areasissetoutinAppendix1. relatingtoconservation a of setting the to contribute respecting thecharacter andappearance area. oftheadjacentconservation that of context the area in considered be conservation then must locations the such in proposals Development outside area. conservation buildings be may there addition In areamay oftheconservation orarchitecturalNot every interestinitsown beofanhistoric right. part areusedfor qualityofdesignandmaterials This willusuallymeanthatanappropriate new development.

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The full responses are set out in Appendix 1. 1.4 Preliminary Consultation upon comment to invited were points, address 210 some totalling occupiers, and residents all 2006 During a range of issues relating to the conservation Area. Although the response rate was made. some nonetheless useful observations were relatively low, 8%, responses from 25% or more of respondents matters attracted The following the and Gardens Queen’s of sides west and south east, the on especially buildings Victorian quality Good * elements of the area the main and positive were gardens themselves seen were Library/Museum the and School Technical former) ( The South, Square Palmyra Hall, Parr The * as the most important buildings; should be preserved and all the historicThe gardens buildings * preserved well, or reasonably well, was The character * worth of the gardens were preserving views * Any * Nearly all thought the character was threatened by new development area. or the erosion of quality of the one quarter* Over supported additional planning controls the need for * A majority though the boundaries about right. Whilst this appraisal attempts to highlight the main of features interest and to identify issues the affecting proposals development of result arisea as may issues New embracing. all be cannot it area, conservation arise through consultation, requiring furtheror additional matters may consideration. subject to further consultation. The Council will consider adopting the appraisal and Management Plan as Appraisals should not just be an academic exercise but should The Management Plan will in form turn address the issues in raised the in management appraisal a plan. prac- the basis for a conservation area tical manner with the aim of securing the protection for the qualities of benefit the area that are ofconsidered to The be appraisal important. and futurethe management plan generationswill be of the special The Council will consider subject adopting to the furtherappraisal and Management Plan as consultation. supplementary planning documents (SPD). In 2005, English Heritage published a good practice guide for the preparation of conservation area In 2005, English Heritage published Conservation Area are appraisals their recommended approach. This aims appraisal to follow a appraisals. good practice guide for the now preparation part of of the Council’s Best Value performance conservation standards. Palmyra Square is the area fifth such appraisal in the present series Hall, which Buttermarketcommenced in 2006 and Town includes BridgeThe Street, Street and Church Street. Conservation Area Appraisals provide a means of describing and analysing systematically their special qualities and providing an understanding of the issues that are affecting then or are likely to affect them in the They future. should also aim to identify any negative factors of the conservation area and to suggest opportunitiesappearance enhancement. for that detract from the character and Until now, there has Until been now, no full assessment of the impact cumulative of such upon factors the character of the conservation area. and appearance

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 8 securing asuitablesecuring new usefor theformer Technical School. * Future challenges include the impact of changes of use associated with the ‘Cultural Quarter’ concept and amenity. visual of terms in part weakestarea’s the is parking open by Street Museum western of dominance The alterations tobuildings for example replacementwindows andlossofrailings andgardens. * Negative factors relate to relatively minor features such as paving condition, street furniture and cosmetic AreaManagementPlan.Conservation These aresetoutinSection6. This appraisal hasidentifieda number ofnegative factors andissueswhichmay beaddressedina survive, infilldevelopment thescopefor further limited. willbe very to is area the of ambience essentially Victorian the setting.Howeverif its to contribution positive important a made an of preservation has it occurred, developmenthas the new where that secure ensure to and heritage to town’s the Victorian of enclave helped undoubtedly has designation Area Conservation * successfully have developments recent most the and extent responded tothecharacter andappearance oftheircontext. in limited been has development New * contain and Square Palmyra of context wider the individual buildings andresidentialfacades ofmerit thatrepresent laterfashions in building.Victorian of survival the ensured have areas extension The * the town centre. of areas adjoining with connectivity good and area beyondconservation areas the to vistas long provides butprovidesradii,also effectivespaces * layout, junction main plan tight the grid its to The with enclosure palette ofbuilding withwell executed materials,enriched detailing. (Seesection5.2). a distinctive character and strong identity. These qualities are reinforced by the consistent use of a limited area givesthe cohesivegrouping a forming interest, historic or architectural special of being as listed are which buildings, of civic significant number and a architecture domestic * quality good of combination The C21st. havebeen successfullyadaptedtoaccommodatechangesinuse,theircontinued intothe survival ensuring these of Some C19th. the of part latter the during town industrial developing the of pride civic and public prosperity buildings,prestigious the for of numberreflecting location a * provides the also area The unaltered inexternal appearance. the By largely and condition square.maintained well in houses town former the of garden survival the ensured certainly almost a around has arranged mid-nineteenth that process a use, a business housing, and professional wayto giving was of occupation residential class C20th early town middle the of in development example unique planned a century represents Area Conservation Square Palmyra * ofmainfindingsthisappraisal 1.5 Summary

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In 1968 Warrington was designated as a New Town and for the next 20 years underwent significant growth growth significant underwent years 20 next the for and Town New a as designated was Warrington 1968 In and development mainly on the periphery of the established settlement. The a town large has degree a now post entered -industrial to era with a predominantly service based economy and virtue importance strategic Its by retained is centre motorway the of communications a a as 190,000. some population of network which mirrors the railway routes albeit at some distance from the town role centre. of the Meanwhile town the centre as a retail and service centre has been reinforced by the recent completion major of expansion of a the Golden Square The shopping once centre. important strategic highways through Street remains a major cross town Wilson Patten but roads, new passed by been by centre have the town link road. * “Warrington at Work “ Janice Hayes and Alan Crosby, Breedon Books 2003. Breedon and Alan Crosby, Hayes Janice “ Work at “Warrington * “ By Warrington was 1900 to almost an every observer, industrial town through and through- but to those who cared to look more closely it clear was that the the retailing commerce, old and servicesbusinesses, Bridge along Street, spread shops rebuilt, was market The before. flourishing never and as there still were transport a as role town’s the and houses large in living gentlemen professional of full was Square Palmyra * importance.” of exceptional hub was During the C19th Warrington had developed as a major industrial town so that as Crosby: noted by Hayes and roads linking Warrington with neighbouring towns and cities and with the surrounding rural communities, From the C18th the town became established roads linking Warrington with neighbouring as towns and cities and with a the surrounding rural communities, of nodal development the 1830s late the From point economy. trading its and of market town’s the of growth the a fostering developing network of turnpike the networkrailway also the placed Warrington of in south a The and strategic north London-Scotland location. the main to line to the respectively, passing, routes east-west two intersected centre town the of west to were centre town the southernof westernand sides the on railways the of alignments The centre. town western of the south quarterformcentre. of the town of development a major influence on the exert In the C14th, a Friary was established on the north bank close to the bridge, evidence according to In the C14th, a from Friary Traffic was charity. established upon dependent largely were incumbents the as settlement, prosperous a of on Pevsner the north c.1960, bridgeRuncorn of bank opening the until Indeed close bridge. to Warrington’s upon the converged region whole the bridge, evidence according to the only other crossings downstream of Warrington were the C19th Runcorn transportereconomy. importantbridgetown’s an partthe in played and transportalso Water the tunnel. Birkenhead Liverpool- 1930s the enabled navigation river the of improvements C18th and 1757, canal, Helens St the of construction The importation of the materialsraw needed to sustain early industrial most development notably in the Bank Hall Conservation Area Appraisal). Town (Ref. area. Quay tidal and its ford provided the only convenient crossing point of the river between Manchester and the AND SETTING LOCATION 2. development and early Strategic location Warrington’s 2.1 Warrington is an historic town that can bank trace of the its River Mersey origins near to to an ancient a ford crossing Saxon at Latchford. settlement tidal Below Latchford, and the situated its river ford on was provided the the only north convenient crossing point of estuary, the giving river the between settlement Manchester a and position the of strategic importance in The first bridgethe was constructed at aWarrington’s location about ford. 1late kmC13th of downstream the region’s communications. In the first bridgewas succeededby later structures in the The same north-south position. route via the bridge was intersected an by east-west route on a ridge of higher ground on The the cross-roads northso bank. formed became the focus of town development up to modern times, the latterly and A57. A49 two highways being classified

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 10 Figure3StrategicLocation

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Priorities identified in the Town Centre Strategy relating to the Cultural Quarter relating to the Cultural Centre Strategy were: Town Priorities in the identified Arts promote the full potential of the Pyramid Centre To * quarters linkages with the retail, civic and cafe/club design and improve To * buildings ‘flagship’ priorities and opportunities cultural identify investment for To * up a conservation enhancement plan in consultation with stakeholders management and draw To * Quarter to promote the Cultural entity. * Ongoing marketing as a cohesive The Town Centre Strategy refers to the conversion of the post office to leisure uses including “Le Frog” Bis- Frog” “Le including uses leisure to office post the of conversion the to refers Strategy Centre Town The Square Palmyra on apartmentluxurydevelopment the to and Club Health “Energie” and Cafe Main” “Le tro, North. Alongside the Pyramid Arts Centre these new uses would the reinforce role area’s as the of focus for potential the explore to aims strategy The centre. friendly town the in activity leisure family and cultural further re-use along these lines and states that the council will take shops, the craft lead specialist in include area market the testing for alternative suggested uses Alternative school. technical former the for uses a contemporary artrestaurants, and artist gallery cafe studios and accommodation. with an integral The Cultural Quarter and the Town Centre Strategy Town The Cultural Quarter and the The Cultural Quarter Square coincides Conservation Street. closely Wilson Area, Palmyra Patten omitting supportin town the for arts strategy an of development the part from in arose Qaurterconcept Cultural The of the Arts Lottery bid to secure funding for the of conversion the former County Courts to an arts centre. The Cultural Quarter has been given formal recognition in Centre Warrington Town Strategy adopted in 2003. But the presence of several public buildings has always given the area the of development the a Pyramid Arts Centre more the diverse opportunity With has character. been taken to re-brand the area as the ‘Cultural Quarter’, in recognition of the juxtaposition of the Arts with Centre, Parr the Hall, remodelled Library Queen’s and Gardens Museum providing Street Bold a facing entrance mall new distinctive a introduced has 2007, and May opened Centre shopping recognisable Square Golden The focus. extension to for is placed thus to well benefit from the potential Quarter’ ‘Cultural The Gardens. within 150m of Queen’s transport within the development. and the parkingadditional shopping centre visits and public facilities The land now designated as the conservation area was developed progressively from the 1850s to c.1900. c.1900. to 1850s the from progressively developed was area conservation the as designated now land The The early stages took of the development form of a residential quarter the for middle classes but Palmyra Square and its adjacent newly laid out streets soon became established servicesas the professional location and major for several business for demand growing C20th, the of years early the From buildings. public offices of incursion gradual the in resulted centre town the to proximity area’s the with together town, the in role changed Square’s from middle Palmyra class and residential consulting quarterrooms. to an enclave of professional services, particularly as a focus of the legal sector, a role which it Palmyra retains today. Square, being located from away the bustle of the main traffic routes, presentedfor the most part a quiet appropriateambience, to a residential area and latterly quarter, though a its professional peace once was Square South! along Palmyra of trams the rattle disturbed by extending over 600m westwards from Bridge Street and 300m southwards from Sankey Street and Warrington’s basic cross roads plan effectively divides the town centre into four quarters. and Bridge Sankey Street Street define the town centre’s southwest quarter, a more or less rectangular block of land extending over 600m westwards from Bridge comprising an Street area of about and 19 hectares. 300m Palmyra Square conservation southwards area occupies from about of one this area. third From Sankey its eastern edge160m Street from Bridge Street, and it extends 300m westwards to Winmarleigh Street. From its southern boundary on Wilson Patten Street it extends 200m northwards boundaries of up properties on to Square Palmyra Sankey Street. lies within the 200m of rear Bank Hall, the imposing 1872. Hall since Town Warrington’s which has been Georgian mansion 2.2 The location of the conservation area in relation to the town centre. the town area in relation to of the conservation The location 2.2

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 12 Figure4AerialPhotograph

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The heavy traffic flow on Wilson Patten Street affects air quality such thatthe frontage is included within grounding occasional to subject also is area conservation The monitoringzone. quality air centre town the conservation the within quality air the However industrialsite. Quay Bank the from plume emissions the of standards. acceptable to be below considered area is not now Today, traffic management measures prevent through vehicular movement on Palmyra Square South and Palmyra on vehicular movement through managementtraffic measures prevent Today, Springfield Street. Other streets within the conservation area have not been as Wilsonfortunate. Patten Street on the southern edge of the conservation area is, as noted a cross-above, heavily trafficked town route linking Bridgefoot with A57 Bold Liverpool Street Road. is a main outbound bus route and Museum Street and Winmarleigh Street, on the Conservation Area’s western boundary, are Sankey Street though also no longer part well of the trafficked. A57 route between Prescot and Manchester remains a busy centre access road. town The conservation area’s northernThe conservation area’s and eastern edges are less sharply defined, tending to merge with the Bridge and Hall Town the with shortinterfaces has Area Conservation Square Palmyra form. built adjacent Street Conservation Areas on its northern and eastern ( Figure 1). edges respectively prospect -as exemplified by ‘Halton View Villas’, (nos. 3,5 Wilson Patten Street). Today they face onto a The south west town centre barriersThese barriers in is ( the See form lines, closely section of paralleled 3). roads. busy two by railway effectively boxed in on its are reinforced by changes in the character south of built form and The land Victorianfine use. town and houses on west southerly open an sides enjoyed once They southern edge. conservation the define Street area’s Patten Wilson by major physical prospect -as by ‘Halton Villas’, View exemplified Today 3,5 (nos. Wilson theyfacePatten onto Street). a retail warehouse, car parking and beyond, a modern business park, whilst to the west of Bank the the Quay, looming railway at bulk of the Ineos Silica plant, formerly Joseph Crosfields soapworks, abruptly stops the westward prospect from within the conservation area. Bank Quay Station 400 m of the centre of the conservation is located within on area. mainline, the west coast The land form of the south west quarter of the town centre meadows of risesArpley to a low in ridge delineated by a Market AOD Gate along 7.3m. and From Street. northerlySankey direction from the river Wilson Patten Street, the reaches level approximately AOD 12m. near Sankey Street, the rise -west becoming east the along level in change little is There . 32 in 1 about typically Street, Museum northof steeper shown is meadows Arpley the towards Street Museum from southwards extending area lying low The axis. town the of underlying geology The consultation. flood risk of area an as Plan Unitarythe Development in is briefly summarised 5. in Appendix 2.3 Land form and Setting. and Setting. 2.3 Land form

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 14 a spaceofgenerous proportions. taken in 2005. (Section 4.3) Queen’s Gardens stretch 150m east- west and 50m north- south representing under- that being radical most perhaps and recent most the yearsover severalthe schemes remodelling in of park outcome the are form present town their in gardens 3. The Section publicin given is gardens the developmentof a as out historic the laid of outline Jubilee.An Diamond wereVictoria’s Queen of commemoration town’scivic area, the as 1897 conservation the of centrepiece the Gardens, Queen’s facing elevations whichreceive littleincidenceofsunlighttoenliven facades. possible except via the paths within Queen’s Gardens. The long east -west alignments also present north not movementis diagonal area course the of through though area, conservation the into entry of points 9 some being there areas, adjoining the with connectivity good provides plan axes. grid south The - north axes, providing development blocks of 60-75m west depth.east- parallelBold Street long and 220m provide Winmarleigh Street Street Patten are Wilson the and principal Street Museum South, Square Palmyra pley railway lines. Ar- and coast west the of configuration angled right bythe C19th the reinforcedduring further and Street Sankey and Street Bridge of relationship angled right the of reflection a is plan grid the that notable is It arrangement areoutlinedinSection3. improvement.this civic of and origins planning townThe formal C19th of example an clearly centre.is It of the south-west town pattern The grid centre is unusual in that it does not appear elsewhere in the town Churches. buildings inSection4. There arealsoanumber asdescribed ofmodern nal function. The area also contains the Register Office, mainformer Post Office and three non-conformist Gymnasium, County the Court, latter four forming a group. Of this group, Borough Technicalonly Hall, Parrthe School, Parr Hall Art, retains its of origi- School Museum, and Library the including buildings, public larger are houses town the with Interspersed occurred. has development modern where except storeys 3 exceed not do elsewhere and distance storeys two entirely The are radii. Gardens Queen’s facing corner terraces modest.The minimal with angled right howeveris houses town the 14m. are of only forexamplescale is Street The Museum on frontages between Junctions footways. 2m with width 7-8m of straight, are paved.streets mainly The now are these but areas garden front shallow had streets.Some the onto directly facegroups, shorter spaced closely or terraces, long of form the in houses town former centrepiece.its of as Rows square garden a with width uniform of streets of grid a in out laid is area The 2.4 GeneralCharacterandPlanForm

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The key elements of the spatial arrangement and built form are indicated in Figure 5. form and built elements of the spatial arrangement The key The close relationship of buildings to the streets and the tight junctions the give area a strongly enclosed open space. and within the central long vistas along the main axes with contrasting but urban character, The combination of substantial and robustly detailed public buildings, the dignified town houses and the regular layout with a garden square as Victorian era. its during the planning and development town focal Warrington’s of the high point of representative point creates a distinctive townscape of good quality

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 16 Figure5: &BuiltForm SpatialArrangement

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Figure 6: Extract of Wallworth & Donbavand & Donbavand Wallworth Extract of Figure 6: Map 1772 an allusion to the nearby The Friary. street was later renamed Friars Green. It is possible that some of the gardens or orchards may been have part of the Friary lands. The south western quarter of centre what is is today’s town otherwise industrial sites devoid at Bank of Quay are reached. The buildings lane or path the area are a narrow streets to penetrate only until the Lane and Slutchers Lane called both Ashton’s running later Comparisonwith Street. Sankey from southwards Lane Ashton’s maps to reveals be on the alignment of present day Bold Street, whilst Slutchers Lane aligns approximately with present day Sankey Street, Arpley frontage Street. development On Lane. short of Ashton’s distance west peters out a but with areas abutting onto the burgage plots on Bridge Street and Sankey Street laid out as gardens or The land to the south-west of the town centre is shown on the 1772 with but areas onto abutting the plots burgage on Bridgemap Street Street and laid Sankey out as gardens as or largely in agricultural use confirming origin of thus 18thC the shown, is Street Stanley of form the in incursion an However orchards. shaped group of town ‘L’ houses the The at street its presumably western takes its extremity. name from stone bridge of the nearby which endured from builder 1495 until 1813 and is Earl of Derby, Lord Stanley, Street leads Stanley off clearlyChancel Street clearlyindicated with piers its on distinctive the 1772 map. Wallworth and Donbavand Map and Donbavand Wallworth edition of 1772 (Figure 6). and Donbavand Wallworth is the The earliest large scale map of the town around concentrated mainly This map was is 8,000 of some great significanceof inpopulation revealing the extent town’s andform The of the town’s development atrevolution. thevery industrial the of beginning in depth to its north- east and north- development with greater west. Gate but Market Despite the medieval origins of the town and its steady industrialisation from the C18th, Area. of the Conservation Historic Development 3.1 Origins and Despite a essentially was Street, Sankey of the south and Street Bridge of west plots frontage the beyond development medieval origins of phenomenon of the mid- the of to- layout the late However land C19th. took before building development the it almost certainlyplace is not without interest in that town influenced the subsequent pattern of development. and its steady industrialisation from the C18th, A brief outline of the strategic influences which have shaped the town’s development was given in Section in given was development town’s the shaped have which influences strategic the of outline brief A of this on the appraisal the patternfocuses within evolution of In development the interests of 2.1. brevity, the conservation area. The town’s historic development is well documented and some reference sources are provided in DEVELOPMENT HISTORIC 3 ORIGINS AND The town’s historic appraisals companion the development in outlined are development historic town’s is the of aspects Related 3. Appendix well documented and some Borough Council. Warrington by published reference sources are provided in

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 18 have beenformed. roads further no butotherwise Lane Arpley renamed development.been meanwhile town’shas Lane Slutchers the shape to began revolution industrial the of impact the as premises business courts, and residential workshops under disappearing rapidly was quarters space other garden C19th, in the development During centre. building town by the of encroachment to response a been have may quarter west By the 1830s, the town’s population had reached some 14,000. The provision of garden plots in the south extremityof thearea,itssouthern abutting Friars GreenChapel. Most are of similar size but one plot abutting the west side of the Unitarian Church extends the whole depth area an Green occupy extending plots 150msouthfromSankey Friars Streetandabout300mwestwards Street. fromBridge rectangular out of laid neatly presence intensified. These has plots The garden quarter. into orchards west and south the in totheeast building and further Methodist Chapel dating from Gate c.1796,is indicated little as is Market the adjacent Stone House. but of The east subdivision of Street fields and Bridge north the of to development of intensification an reveals This The next landssurvey detailedmapistheManorial of1826(Figure7). SurveyThe Manorial Map1826

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Map Manorial Survey 1826 Figure 7:

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 20 years earlier. establishedbeen had Palmyrathat around streets of extendto pattern 20 grid some the Square portunity op- the providing development, for available become finally Street Sankey of south the to lands estate Pattenthe Wilson did hall.then town Only their as foruse it acquire to Corporation Borough the to terms the Patten, Thomas of grandson great Winmarleigh, builder of Bank Lord Hall, decided to vacate the then hall because Patten,of encroaching industry, offering Wilson it on favourable John Colonel 1870, In for longerthannecessary! of erection the buildings within sight prohibited of the hall Parliamentwindows and penalised of the company forAct leaving wagons its in view of in the hall inserted clauses Arpley,St. to the westward Railwayof extensionHelens the for made were proposals 1847, in gates.When hall the beyond prospect the open preserve to keen was it Hall Bank at residence in was family Patten Wilson the whilst that seems It that at impractical been have would ownership land time. Legh the within wholly plan grid the of extension westwardPatten’s byland, Wilson Thomas side south its on bounded plot tapering a was today’s‘executiveit As of homes’! equivalent C19th the providing classes, middle town’s the for dwellings of choice manufacture. soap Crosfield, Joseph of development proposed The have scheme would the augmented existing or proposed. HouseNamed onSpringfield the 1851 OS, it was the home of William Fell a partner The plan also shows a large villa abutting the square occupying’ land leased but it is not clear whether it is gardens.large in standing villas detached Sankeythe at indicated are gates and lodge A entrance.Street avenuesemi- and curved detached a spacious as with out shownlined laid is and grid the from departed of the area extending part to a The point westernmost on Sankey Street about 200m west of Legh Street, from nolaterthanthatyear but remainsfor itsactualdateoforigin thetimebeingamystery. date must it by1843, layoutcommenced street had proposed which a indicates map Legh the as Clearly garden plotshown onthe1826map. SuezStreetisrecordedasnamedin1846. long very Sankeypavement”.woodfallsthe in being with within Street “laid part formost Street the Cairo being called upon to take charge of it”. Another minute of May 1845 refers to the entrance to Cairo Street off Sankey Street, called Bold Street, being not yet in a finished state and the town surveyors therefore not of Egypt and Suez Streets. Moreover, a Council minute of November 1843 refers to a “new street running Survey shows Bold, Cairo Suez and Egypt Streets named, though with frontage development only on parts Ordnance edition origin.However1851 1857 the of indexed as is but undated is area.itself the map The of Lane.The pattern the development Ashton’s on influence significant a thus of was lane ancient this widening of alignment south a north represents clearly Street, Bold as known later street, proposed The square was tobeboundedby another12yard street. exist today and their dimensions before their westward extension, c 1900. Interestingly, the west side of the theyfeetas gardens feetthe 300 of some position and the with 51m) corresponds ( wide 91).This ( long Egypt Street, Palmyranew Square “proposed North, Palmyra a Square South.includes The and new square waspattern to be grid approximately 170 a in Street, Suez square.”Street, Cairo Street, out Bold of positions the with correlation close laid layouta The bears is land the of part eastern The width). overall streets.”yard 10.9m, yards,“12 12 of (I.e.of series streets a of out laying proposed the shows map The owned by Thomas Wilson Patten -theowner ofBankHouse, later Warrington Town Hall. the on estate Palmyracoincides with the of rear the boundaries properties of Square South and abuts onto land boundary southern Street.The Arpley from and Street southwards Cairo day 175m present some between extendingand Street estate, Sankey manorial Warrington’s of part forming land of area inch an 1 to feet to relates 100 map The of 8). (Figure Esq.” scale Legh Thomas of a Estate to the on Improvements map “Proposed showing a is library reference Warrington in held document important An The LeghEstateMap

21 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

Figure 8: Legh Estate Map Figure 8: Meanwhile in 1847 the Borough of Warrington was incorporated. The new corporation 1850, Council began From including the place adoption civic various of improvements laid the out newly streets. to put in minutes record various instances of the sewering of new streets including Bold Street and Cairo Street. The names given to the new streets commemorated important local landowners as well as the Middle- the South Lancashire Regiment. by Eastern campaigns fought Though the western extension shown on the Legh Estate plan remains an intriguing ‘might it have nevertheless appears been’ that the planning of the area comprising much of the present conservation area intention the that seems It C19th. the of half first in Estate Legh the for surveyors the to attributed be must from the outset was to create an enclave of houses for the middle classes close to the amenities of the town centre but offering a spacious and relatively self contained environment. In conception it represents perhaps a three than mid rather two -Victorianof was form attempt built the to introduce however, squares, to town Warrington Georgian most a Unlike formal pattern. Georgian town square modelled on the The grid plan was itself storeys. a logical of development the rectangular garden plot taking layout, as its Bold Street. widened to form Lane, north alignment of ancient Ashton’s -south axis the

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 22 lane, laterChapelStreet. Numerousgardenplotsremainwithintheframework ofthenew streetlines. un-named an of end western the at grounds spacious occupies Springfield, villa, large a though named or developed not yet as but delineated been have North PalmyraSquare and South PalmyraSquare of Street.Sections Cairo and Street Egypt Street, Suez on development frontage limited shows map 1851 Building development in the Street.south Bridge west of quarter progressed yardseast generally westwardsthe to from courts, the especially packedtown and centre.Gate densely Market around The the streets, main with the off contrast leading alleys and sharp in were quarter west south the in out laid being to residential quarter. The town’s population had by then reached some 22,984.plots garden The spacious newfrom streets transition its during area the of snapshot a 9).provides (Figure map, scale large This 1851 OrdnanceSurvey

23 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

Figure 9: 1851 Ordnance Survey Map Survey Ordnance 1851 Figure 9:

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 24 the development ofSuezStreetandEgyptwhichhadbeencompletedby 1851. would normally be implemented in tandem with frontage development. It withwould be 1851 a logical continuation by of existence in was which Street, street Bold of sewering the the record 1850 as of carriagewaysshown.pavementsminutes and Council built be to frontage square the of part first the Suez was no.13 Street and Street Egypt no.10 and Street Bold 9-19 nos. comprising row the that likely seems It occupiedpremisesinnearby Friars hadhitherto Gate.library hedges.and tall town’sbymuseum The bounded plots garden neat of background a eventshows the of In 1855 the foundation stone for the Museum and Library was laid amongst great ceremony. A photograph a largeSunday SchoolBuildingwas erected. the first of which was the Bold Street Wesleyan Chapel 1849-50 displacing a group of gardens. To its rear The new street layout provided foropportunities civic further enhancements in the form of public buildings, 3.2 Development duringthelatterC19th Street were approved in1877. was Street residential a public street in for1874. Plans for houses required in Museum Museum as far as purposes”.adopted Palmyrawas South Square of as “ sewering authorised 1873 In built officeaccommodation. to bepurpose Austin’sappears what St. represents 1864, residences. dated Chambers, as occupied fully be to new this lighting for revealsnos.1-13 1864 for directory the request and street a to refer 1861 of minutes Council followed. have soon must South The terrace of fine town houses on Palmyra Square

25 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

A row of 12 town houses lines gardens the rear south are which side beyond of houses adjoining Palmyra Square, three and (nos Chapel 1-21 Methodist the and by occupied no is side 12 north Bold Street). Its of properties on TheStreet Sankey square and itselfSpringfield. is awalled enclosure containing private houses 20 of total the for gardens provide to sufficient not clearly and number in 8 are These plots. garden the square. facing 1888 Ordnance Survey The 1888 OS (Figure 10) indicates that Winmarleighthe entire frontage Street up had to been completed with substantial town houses facing onto Arpley Meadows residents -beyond were not the troubled by the railway thunder sidings! of traffic as The today! area Clearly east of Bold early Streetwas by then also fully developed. The Council approved the name of the ‘Wilson new road Patten Street’ in The Jan 1868. new station at Wilson Patten to adopt In March 1869 the Council resolved of that year. in November opened Bank Quay Street as a together public highway with a short length of Bold Street leading to ArpleyLater the Station. section between Bank Quay station and Sankey Street was renamed Parker Street. The new road was quickly exploited as a a opportunity, development succession of plans for new dwellings being approved 1870 and 1873. between Wilson Patten Street, now one of the town centre’s principal traffic arteries, owes its origins to the Street Wilson Patten Wilson Patten Street, now one of decision the by the town London and centre’s North Western principal Railway to traffic relocate its main arteries, Grand line Junction owes station. The Railway original (Newton-Birmingham), its1837 station the origins was adjacent to to the the Liverpool 1860s Road it bridge. had By become cramped and inadequate and position it where the main line was A crossed station over the Warrington servingand proposed Garston this railway. line to build a new station at which the serve had to was by Quay then Bank at station been new extended proposed The eastwards to Street. Bold Altrincham, of extension had an opened by accessed in Bridgefoot, 1854 at Arpley adjacent to both routes The by high platforms and providing the low level opportunity to dispense with nearby Arpley. new station site at Bank lay Quay beyond the however reach of the town road centre’s In network. order to provide access proposed to to the constructstation, new the two roads new L&NWR of Co. 12 yards width, eastwards to connect with Bold Street and northwards to connect The with railway Sankey Street. submitted their proposals to the Corporation in 1866 in the form of a continuous route paralleling in effect a right in front of the station site. angled bend lines and involving railway the two

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 26 Figure10: 1888Ordnance Survey Map

27 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal School of Art 15 Springfield Street School Technical Office Post General Street. Museum Board Of Guardians, Square North. Palmyra Vicarage, Trinity Holy Friars Green Independent Methodist Church- rebuilt 1859 Methodist Church- rebuilt Green Independent Friars Street 25, 27,29 Stanley Chapel Wesleyan Bold Street Museum and Library Chambers Austin’s St. Street Patten Wilson ; View Halton Villas, Carlton 7 Bold Street. Club, Warrington The 1 Museum Street 14-16 Museum Street

1893 Hall 1895 Parr 1897 County Court 1900-02 1906 1924 1926 1882 Progress Progress in the area’s development can be traced by date plaques example: for documentarycarried evidence, by several buildings, or by 1796 c. late C18th c. 1849-50 1855 1864 1872/3 1876 1877 1878 Church, Bold Street 1882 Emmanuel The Borough Gymnasium was also built about this time whilst the main post office followed in 1906/07. followed about this time whilst the main post office also built The Borough Gymnasium was the Clearly, civic leaders of the day saw the newly established street in layout the south west quarter as a in town prosperous and growing a by required opportunityan buildings prestigious the accommodate to centre. Hall and to the town Town placed in relation to the conveniently location that was Although it had been conceived as a residential area, the remaining undeveloped land on Palmyra Square Palmyra on land undeveloped remaining the area, residential a as conceived been had it Although South and Museum Street was in the event, used to accommodate a number of These public buildings. were erected between the 1890s were area) and Courtsconservation the magistrates (outside and Station Police nearby earlyThe School. 1900s Technical and included the Parr Hall, the County Court, 1899-1900. built the Museum Street is built up as far as no.23 north side and no.24 opposite. The area west of these Museum Street is built up as frontages is as yet far but undeveloped with indicative road The alignments north as shown. end of Springfield no.23 north side Street and is occupied no.24 by a opposite. printing The works area and a west Street. as Chapel house a time known Square North for was Palmyra called of Winmarleigh Lodge. The these as yet incomplete In 1882 the town acquired another fine publicbuilding, the School of Art, situated opposite the Museum and Library.

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 28 29 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

At some time, probably post 1907, a number of plane trees had been planted very close to the At some time, probably post perimeter 1907, wall. By the 1980s these fine trees a had reached maturity number but were threatening of the stabilitythe of The boundary 1850s plane wall. where wall had side become south weathered the and eroded on trees in acute places especially and was the soft problem sandstone had The railings. the been of removal the by planted damaged copings very close to the The Council had the no wall retained option the the to but most gardens remove seriouslyat higher level. remodelling recent The gardens. western the of wall perimeter entire the reconstruct to and trees unstable of the gardens is described in Section 4.3. Contemporary photographs and the 1907 OS (Figure 11) show a probably 1907, after layout time some of simplified been paths have must and layout The flower bedsarrangement. more today’s than elaborate to ease maintenance, though it retained the basic oval plan and central focus, now emphasised statue. by the Meanwhile Queen’s Gardens underwent a further modification with the installation of the Colonel O’ Leary O’ Colonel the of installation the further with a modification underwent Gardens Queen’s Meanwhile statue, a war memorial to the men of the South Lancashire Regiment commemorating their action in the in War 1900 Boer which contributed ultimately to the relief Fund of raising a for Ladysmith. memorial had Drury Alfred of ARA work the was bronze, in cast O’Leary, Colonel of statue The 1903. authorisedin been the post office still under reveals of this event A photograph in pomp. 1907 amidst great unveiled and was construction despite its 1906 date stone! About the turn of the century the large villa Springfield,must succumbed have to pressure. development In 1902, the Council to resolved consider the advisability of adding part of the Springfield estate south of the continuation of Chapel Street to Queens’ Gardens. In the same year it was resolved to greenhouses from remove Springfieldthe for re-erection in BankPark. In 1904 itwas resolved to remove the hedge dividing The the demolition two sections of of Springfieldthe gardens had and to connecting make paths. enabled former Chapel Street to be connected through to Springfield Street thus completing the present Square North. of Palmyra with the formation street layout day The town’s spirit of civic enhancement was given further expression in 1897 when the Corporation The town’s spirit of civic enhancement acquired the private gardens Square in and was Palmyra remodelled them as a town park in commemoration given further expression in 1897 of The Queen Victoria’s Diamond gardens Jubilee. were provided with when an informal arrangement of paths the dates probably fountain The Corporation Foundry. McFarland renowned the by fountain drinking a and beds flower and from the opening as early it perhaps carrieskey- a with Queen Victoria’s Constable Jubilee Chief The the image. supply boundaryto agreed Council wall the was 1902 In originally gated. topped and railings with social behaviour! of anti evidence 3.3 Queen’s Gardens 3.3 Queen’s By the turn of the C20th, the town’s population number. had reached 64,242, four and a half times its 1830’s

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 30 31 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

Figure 11: 1907 Ordnance Survey Map Survey 1907 Ordnance Figure 11:

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 32 conservation area. conservation evolvingthe the of characterin newchapter a open to redevelopmentbegun recent has very Meanwhile, whilsttheformer postofficehasbeen converted touseas a restaurant andhealthclub.County Courts, the and Gym Borough former the from created been has Centre Arts Pyramidsale. forThe offered and May 2007) entertainment. ( The and assemblypublic is vacant Technical offices, Council latterly School, is nowArt the Adult Education annexe of Warrington Collegiate Institute. The Parr Hall remains a place of buildings.area’spublicof conservation School the affectedThe havealso use of pattern the in Changes andahalf. acentury nearly after intact largely survival its permitting area, the of viability continued the ensured certainly almost has uses adaptations.non-residential and extensionsConversionto some accommodating with albeit in occupation, in changes houses town large former the of flexibility the demonstrates also uses of range The indicative ofthearea’s convenience for town centrefacilities. Children’sNational and centre CDT havealso Homes area. conservation the in premises NHS are uses These Centre, FamilySt.Joseph’s Deaf. ‘Relate’, the for Centre Warrington the and Blind the for Society Widnes and Warringtonthe of premises the containing examplefor uses, type social/welfare and rooms As well as offices and business uses, the area remains today host to a number of surgeries and consulting become usedfor commercialpurposes. business various gathered pace forin the post WWII era such that the use majority of houses throughout the conservation area had uses in commercial of encroachment flats. gradual as This perhaps occupation residential continued were some South Square Palmyra purposes including estate agents, 1,3,9,11,13,15,17,19,21, physicians, accountants, solicitors, though nos.the street directories suggest 1935, By in2002. Court Knightsbridge of development street on the until gap remained called new -which unfortunate North frontage Square an the Palmyra left of yard aprestigious sorting its corner the but Square Palmyra provided and had Street Springfield Office to Post head The andrailways.the pollutionandnoisefromnearby industry incentivefor affordcould who those moveto away may have been may tramways and have led to the gradual railways exodus of residents from the area. Another local by accessible made housing suburban of availability the with together town growing pressure the from commercial increasing of combination a that seems It *”Changing Warrington 1770s-1990s”. and school office but arerapidly takingtheplaceforsurgery theirown”.* there live still people as nice Square select,... Palmyra “very and Street Bold described writer a 1902 In resided there1886-88. plaque fixed to no.9 Palmyra Square South records that William Hesketh Lever, first Viscount Leverhulme, doubt.no A in is classes middle forthe quarter residential quality a as initially out laid was area the That 3.4 ChangingCharacter

33 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

Sections 4.2 to 4.6 describe the various architectural qualities of the buildings that make up the Sections 4.2 to 4.6 conservation area. describe the various architectural qualities of the buildings that make up the Figure 12 shows, in diagrammatic form, the contribution of of the conservation area. appearance the various buildings to the character and English Heritage consider that some larger conservation areas may naturally contain THE AREA’S SPECIAL QUALITIES OF 4 ANALYSIS 4.1 Character Areas English Heritage separately identifiable groupings of buildings consider or spaces. Usecan of facilitate such distinctions that description ‘character as and areas’, analysis but parts some the to the conservation area final some as To degree a the whole. square appraisal and its enclosing earlier the should broadly buildings represent are they a Moreover Street. consider larger Patten Wilson and Street Museum from entity separate the contribution of the conservation and later phases of For the the purposesdevelopment. area’s areas of this Street Museum appraisal they are and Square considered as Palmyra as to referred and 2 Figure by indicated as areas, character separate may naturally The character Character areas Areas. are merely aids to description and it is acknowledged that there is contain along Bold Street. example them for and inter-visibility between some overlap The conservation area lies outside the medieval core of the town and has no known features of Archaeology The conservation area lies outside archaeological The interest. nearby the Friary site and medieval the archaeological core investigation carried out of in 2000 mentioned in the Bridgewere Street Conservation Area Appraisal. the town and has no known features of 3.5 Heritage Audit The efforts of the Civic Society in securing Listed Status resulted in for a the conservation number of area now buildings containing in 37 the Listed town Buildings centre including and the fountain Boer within War Memorial the gardens. A further 13 buildings are as Buildings identifiedof Local These Architectural are or indicated Historic on Figure Interest. 12 and iniemised the Unitary Development Plan in Designation Appendix of 3. the conservation area came about too to the late save impressive however demolished was Lane Austin’s St. House, Stone Listed II Grade The Church. Methodist Street Bold 19th C 2002. c. After well over a century, the residential character of the area is being re-established but the residential revival is mainly in the form of purpose- built apartment developments rather than the conversion of the to residential use. back houses town former The prestigious Knightsbridge Court on the site of the OfficePost yard has contributed 49 and units. the recent CourtBovey on the site of Stone House has added An 22. infill scheme at 15-17 Museum in Section 4. Street are evaluated These developments 7 units. offers

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 34 Area Figure12: Contribution ofBuildingstotheCharacterandAppearance the Conservation

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is of shallow pitch. The plainer Suez Street No.21 presents an elevation imposing to Bold symmetrical Street. Its main has entrance square lintel and Ionic columns cornice and flanked pilasters; Large by architraves stone painted have windows floor ground with cornice on decorated console brackets. First floor windows also the centre one with the a main small cornice; have architraves, cornice is dentilled. The hipped slated roof is of shallow pitch. The plaques relief plainer of number Suez a Street by graced is facade which are believed to be replicas of plaques house Beamont’s William at situated originally Place. in Market ( William Beamont was Mayor, Warrington’s a first lawyer historian). and a renowned local The Bold Street frontage comprises Three pairs a of of row 8 houses town in a symmetrical composition. form the These Street. Suez 13 no. and Street 13 Egypt of no.10 by flanked are doorway porches double sharing The houses sides. return the on doors with windows bay floor ground have and row the of ends outer door. panelled a flanking columns Ionic and arches round double with impressive especially is Street Suez only feature courses string Stone blocks. quoin by edged are and slightly project pair centre and ends The on the intermediate pairs. The paired stone porches have segmental arches. Above are pairs of windows with stone surrounds with were pediments stone Originally moulds. drip provided above the cornice over each pair of first floor windows, visually emphasising the porches and the symmetry of the whole Only group. the pediment to nos. 9/11, now remains. Though the street slopes ridge southwards, the line of the is low paned continuous 12 or pitched 8 of are giving hipped Windows effect. balanced roof a visually neat lost some lower have though several sashes, and is window modern. bay 10’s No. glazing bars. Early C20th photographs show the presence of low front walls and railings with elaborate 25). (See Page cast iron gate posts. 4.2 Palmyra Square Character Area - The character and appearance of buildings The character Square Character Area - 4.2 Palmyra The terraces on Bold Street and Palmyra Square South together with 21 no. and no.12 Bold Street are architecturally the most cohesive of the conservation area’s residential buildings, consistent in their two typical of the late Georgian features proportion height, scale, display In storey style they and materials *. town house, for example an unbroken cornice line, Golden their’ window Section’ proportions and multi- of the late classical revival. some elements also display They paned hornless sashes. 5.2 *See also Section

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 36 -3 ee hw a ocpe i te 84 street 1864 directory. the in occupied as shown were 1-13 nos. only as date later of perhaps was and profile given are roof higher a has windows groupcornices. This bracketed All are capitals. and stone course by string brick topped the height break full which of pilasters series a have 17,19,21 Nos. 7,13,15,21 nos. as have window bay floor ground Palmyra a Square South. has Street Bold 12 of elevation return The 11. in pairsover entrance porches. grouped are windows over the where especially windows, floor occur upper brackets console by supported cornices Projecting sills. window floor first links course string stone a continuous; is PalmyraSouth.gardens,numbered1-21 line Square cornice The Queen’s onto facing houses town of facade the of part is Street Bold no.12 of elevation doorway. return Ionic The with also 21, no to style architectural similar of is opposite, Street No.12,Bold frontage as a wholeisofgoodstandard. Alarm also the of presentation regrettable.the are generally though evident advertising is window some bars loss and boxes the glazing pre-date major but some only row, of the the which of are features discordant area, windows, conservation the widened The ground floor window as has no. as window widened floor a ground has Ionic cornice. no.5 and by Regrettably frieze a with flanked columns have porch 5,7 paired nos. but flat surrounds stone set plain within typical pairs are in or singly have Doors of pattern. arches Georgian brick windows gauged Some

37 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

The Parr Hall though undoubtedly one of the town displayed an centre’s architecturally major vibrant cultural image, perhaps and because of civic its north assets aspect, has sombre materials never and realm. with the public poor interface the area in front of the Hall offers free paved The a remodelling traffic of the gardens which has provided the interior setting though functions of the hall with its external manner, potential to link in a more positive skill architectural great require would alterations external internalor any listed, is building the as course of and sensitivity. A plaque Parr toaffixed Hall the commemorates its 1895 opening and its presentation to theby Borough Heys. of Grappenhall Charlton Parr Bank was Parr’s Bank, in 1788. of Parr’s This founder local was a descendant benefactor of Joseph Parr, to become an early constituent of the National Westminster Its Bank. premises at Winwick Street dating II Listed. and are Grade NatWest are still occupied by ‘Old Bank’ as from 1877 known The Parr an of Britain Hall in example only contains the is It a c.1926. Hall Parr finein installed was organIt Cavaille-Coll. originally builder organ master built in 1870 Bracewell organ at The Yorkshire specification. original its retains Hall French which builder, French by significant this by the scale this of instrument is described in the List revised entry the of for 1999 building August and must be regarded as an integral part of the building. The public buildings facing the square are each individual in and facing character detail and represent buildings changing The public C19th and early influences of the late architectural C20th. The Parr Hall, designed by local architect William Owen has a rather austere external appearance due in part to its drab common brick though hard red brick is used for cornices, window surrounds and other details with sparing use of pink sandstone for The mullions transoms lofty and main sills. hall is set back and flankedby two storey pavilions between which a single story of lean-very windows tall tofive has hall providesmain upper The a canopied entrance brackets. scroll elaborate carriedby is canopy The lobby. out. blanked are now they 24 panes but centre town the from viewed especially feature notable a is cupola a with topped roof hipped massive The add to its skyline interest. stacks of chimney A row direction. Though the square was never completed in its intended form, the relationship between the east and south and east the between relationship the form, intended its in completed never was square the Though 21 Bold Street terraces is provides nonetheless pleasing and No. good provides enclosure to the square. Bold Street a later no.7 Similarly, from within the gardens. especially viewed an important feature pivotal Victorian Gothic style gabled mansion provides an important terminal on feature the north east corner of the square.

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 38 glass andstaircase. the of preservation the external character with and appearance uses as well new as important internal reconcile elements such as to the mosaic sensitivity floor,and doors, skill architectural will utmost the purposes require residential for possibly TechnicalSchool, former Listed the of reuse and conversion The Until pipe-work. exposed and additions by thewholesiteiscurrently beingoffered marred recently occupiedby for theCouncilFinancedepartment, sale. and character in utilitarian is Street, Museum onto south facing square.rear the Its elevationto prestigious its present to designed clearly was building The the basementlightwell the survived WW IIcull. Street providing one of the most impressive prospects within the conservation area. railingsThe ornate to features.impressiveskyline especially Springfield are with gableend aligns each entrance imposing The floor windows proclaim the names of eminent scientists. historical The tall chimney stacksrise which from a deep projecting corbelled cornice, a typical hall mark of the architects. Terracotta panels beneath the first paned ground and first floor windows. The first floor windows have elliptical stone heads which merge with curved pediment which carries the Borough arms in relief. The entrance is placed centrally between five 24 above which are paired blocked columns flanking a wrought iron balcony, the whole surmounted by a large porch hooded massive sandstone and elaborate an to up leading steps sweeping of bya flight accessed area. is -basement floor groundsemi above raised a slightly The back set two-storeyfacadeis main The period). the of movement architecturalFrench certainly the after is ( style style Arts’ of ‘Beaux elements The has and emphasise”.eclectic to desirable though was it which doorway central the to kept being treatment the of weight main the Acontemporary with Renaissance accountEnglish buff sandstone. “later as building and the of style the red brick described hard in edifice exuberant more is altogether Hall, Parr the an after years 7 built Owen Segar and William by TechnicalSchool former adjoining The

39 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 40 Winmarleigh StreetonitsroutetoSankeyWinmarleigh painted Bridges. white a is locality, which probably in order to accommodate the tramway which once followed Palmyra to Square South and adjacent street neverdeveloped.the in anyother than radius generous more splayeda is providedwith and corner The service a onto faces wooden fence of the Army Careers office entrance car park. This open plot new at the corner of Winmarleigh Street was the Regrettably listed buildings. of setting the in form built new major introducing partially when required care roof the of its illustration square an profile,- especially the courthouse old from the conceals viewed but feature townscape of dramatic a forward provides line, projects building the which lobby, entrance The translucent in re-cladding oftherearelevation.material the is as adaptation, the of feature distinctive a is gymnasium the and entrance lobby situated between the former Courts its new role as Pyramid Centre.Arts accommodate The tall glazed to remodelling underwent internal 1999/2000 substantial in and Centre Arts an as It years. many use for Council the for by acquired in subsequently redundant was unused Courts lay Crown and new became Street the Legh of opening courthouse the after former The developmentwere functional,perhapsintendedtobeconcealedby further whichnever materialised. exploits its Building corner site brick.The effectively red with a hard tall gabledof baywalls facing within onto set Winmarleigh Street.details Its other isused south elevationsand windows transomed faience and coloured mullioned for Cream influence. Flemish suggest gables stepped the though style in Tudor fittingly a is London prestigious example of publicof Turnerbuilding when wasBritain at the Henry height of its power.Imperial by 1897 It is essentially Court, County former the South, Square Palmyra of end western the Centre. Marking Arts Pyramid the of part now is detailing.It terracotta and stone some with brick red in also composition symmetrical of structure storey two modest a is Gymnasium Borough The

41 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

robust edifice in hard red brick with buff stone The Post robust edifice Office, in hard brick red mullioned Grade stone with windows, buff plinth, dormers. band In style it is courses perhaps II Listed,of the Beaux Arts and a genre featuring decorative swags is in stone and an ornate balustrade above a deep modillioned cornice. The main elevation Street facing Springfield is generally square towers in the centre and symmetrical at Two the ends. and pairs features of ground floor windowsarched have heads. segmental The return elevation to Square Palmyra North is due of level high at two are windows floor Ground bays towers. flanked by corner to the slope along Springfield Street. Rainwater hoppers display ER and crown confirming the Edwardian era of the building’s construction. The construction. building’s the of era Edwardian confirming the crown and ER display hoppers Rainwater appears same in device stone relief with the date redundant 1906 in posting above juxtaposition box with post box. the EIIR which appears on the adjacent oval No 1 SpringfieldStreet c.1957,a 2 storey office building is of quite Its different character. light coloured materials and green metallic roof are perhaps the most incongruous features of the whole conservation it represents However an area. era of post-war building uncommon in the town centre and any proposals its rarity against value. evaluated should be carefully its redevelopment for The west side of Queen’s Gardens is effectively enclosed by a row of red brick town houses, nos. 3-13 Springfield Street. Nos. 7,9,11,13feature gabled dormers crownedby The pediments. floor levelswindow lines and are constant, the slope of the some reasons street safety being for taken up removed by was Bay this steps. windows but and gable Flemish terracotta ornate an had once 13 No interest. add detail listed is row This 1893. panel date terracotta a has South Square Palmyra to returnelevation Its ago. years as of group value, together with the other listed The buildings facing additional Queen’s Gardens. height due to the sloping street helps to provide an effective relationship between nos.7-13 the square. School in enclosing and the Technical

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 42 its bulkier neighbours. between situated diminutive seems now style, Holy Georgian Trinity1920s neo- The in Church Vicarage, trees.the parkland The Church is perhaps the most successful of part the group in its use of tall narrow windows which reflect merit.little of and modelling and depth in lacking monolith bland a is result the form,built the articulate to Church development and which replaced office the original Bold Street Methodist Church.combined Although some 1970s attempt was made the by dominated is North Square Palmyra of frontage eastern The 1970s. the conceal the in out carried cleaning partially of consequence windows.a arched perhaps eroded, stoneworkis the of Some but role new building’s Office Post former the proclaim blinds window fabric Black toitssettingfacingnot inappropriate thesquare. is scale its though office post former the to relation in high uncomfortably perhaps level,is penthouse it a groundto cladding floor, office post the of themes the reflect building. cornice and frieze At plus floors five square.bays,the stone Projecting of side north the of enclosure the completes scheme apartment Court Square Palmyra site.yard sorting 58mTodaythe block on toKnightsbridge substantial apartment the an of construction with club of North for acquired was afrontage site the 2000/2001 development involvingIn conversionincomplete. of the main architecturally post occupied office building to accommodatesquare a restaurant and health the once of side yard north the and leaving office sorting attached The

43 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

The Library/Museum is a robust foot- and of dignified back building at ofimmediately stands red building brickThe with stone plinth,cornice. modillioned windowand surrounds, frieze blocks, quoin course, band Tuscan with pedimented is entrance Street Bold The Street. Museum and Street Bold of junction the at way of place in panels stone with provided is floor first The tripartite of pairs by windows. flanked and pilasters the windows, upper floors originally having rooflight glazing,now mostly blanked for out art conservation A corbelled reasons. chimney and part of the hipped roofs can The be libraryglimpsed from street level. entrance to Museum Street is in ‘Artan Deco It style’. has recently received a ramped A access. 1960’s fortunately modest in extent. but on the Museum Street frontage is typical of its era extension The Museum and LibraryThe Museum and the of one is It designation. area conservation 1974 the in included was building, Library and Museum The Borough the of incorporation the after soon built being 1855-57 from dating buildings, public earliest town’s entrylist the Listed, II Grade country. the in buildings public such earliest the amongst indeed and 1847 in describes as the Museum building though and of the Art the bulk floorground by isthe occupied Gallery, Square group. part It is noted as forming of the Palmyra library. public 4.3 Museum Street Character Area - the contribution of buildings of buildings Character Area - the contribution 4.3 Museum Street

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 44 Cultural Quarter. See section6. the effectivelywith more Museum the link to envisaged be could Square Palmyra to through connection of possible a term longer the structure.In roof number the of portion central a of raising the than a other appearance contains that building problems. structural outstanding some alterationsproposed The would have externalits upon impact little resolving whilst circulation improve greatly and floorspace modernised useable further up open would which funding a in resulted have inefficiencies in use of space, circulation and access. A bid alterations is currently being prepared for Heritage Lottery piecemeal The window whenanew entrance inthe1930s. was madetothelibrary roof hipped the in extensionbays. 5 1870 ofa an to to changed change spans,wasrelate later Street Museum entranceto end An a with coincide which elevation, externally.Street and Museum the internally on both quoins alterations and Intermediate extensions of series a undergone has Art, of School the included which building, 1857 original existence!The in not evidently was Street Museum that and side Museum Street. An illustration of 1864 shows the extent of the original building with three bays on its south on level.placed haveupper been to at originally panels wasentrance stone Museum the blocksThe and the scheme forward. Elements of Dobson’s design which Stone evidently retained are the rusticated quoin carry to engaged was-Willows le Newton- from Stone called architect An drawings! forhis £150 with off paid was he that and ambitious too deemed was Museum design impressiveDobson’s the revealedthat has by Curator research HoweverNewcastle. of Dobson John to building the attributes entry List The

45 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

The School of Art 1884 This building is a pleasing and dignified element to the street scene, situated appropriately opposite the It continues the hard Museum red and brick Library. theme, enriched with stone detailing and decoration. is The slightly from building set the back street and is symmetrical Artin composition displaying Nouveau and perhaps TwinFlemish gables, featuringinfluences. tall round headed windows, are surmountedby pediments with curved side The doorway The brackets. stone of detailed Art.’ ‘School carved a panel entrance contains window central has floor first the above round pediment scrolled fanlight and balusters. A the contain which panels mosaic similar are which below glass stained in windows narrow tall by flanked is This to refers the formation of the school crown and in 1853’. ‘established cartoucheVR royal and legend from an artthat year class in the Mechanics Institute. Collegiate Institute Adult Education Centre. Warrington remains in educational use as the The building which provided a link between Palmyra Square and the Georgian Listed Group at Stanley Street. The Area Square Conservation 1985 Extension to Palmyra The Character Area - 4.4 Museum Street This extension was intended to safeguard an area of largely which unaltered provided buildings a over link one between century Palmyra Square old and the Georgian Listed extension Group at included Chambers, Stanley Street. Austin’s The a St. Art, of School the included mixture These character. of substantial more of buildings individual former town dwellings, now converted House ( since demolished). Church, and the Stone Emmanuel to offices, interspersed with It was observed that the brickwork area its detailing was for noteworthy well and executed pleasing scale Bold Street. up and down an important of views and that trees were feature

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 46 neet f h sre. ertal te front garden the front appearance ofbeingnolongerinuse. small the conveys Regrettably building the the Indeed neglected. is and street.area gone have the railings of interest above the sweeping slate roof adding to the townscapeEmmanuel AD 1882. A two stage towerlantern rises inscription the carries pedi- pediment The porch. projecting mented a above windows a lancet has it tripartite style Gothic late Of dressings. stone with brick Ruabon or Accrington red in scale modest structure of gabled a is England of Church Free The Emmanuel Church site. adjacent the on building restaurant new a to successfully applied been has Chambers St.Austin’s of of modern. are windows floor distinctiveground elevational The butall sashes character original their retain to appear windows floor more.Upper no are report designation 1985 the in described ventsgablet Roof slates. artificial and tiles concrete in recovered been have to appears roof hipped part twonotable. The eavesdistinctiveunusualthe and an of featureis detailing elaborate brickespecially brickwork the is and St.Austin’s lane, St.Austin’s dating and from 1864. The narrow Street pointed arched windows suggest Gothic Bold revival influence. of The polychromatic band junction course, sills and mullions. It is unusual the in that it represents early builtpurpose office accommodation of corner Chambers is a two storey east building in red/brown brick with blue and yellow brick detailing and stone plinth, south the on Situated St Austin’s Chambers

47 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal with panelled doors and rectangular fanlights. No.29 has two paned Nos. 25,27,29 Stanley Street form storey former an town houses, L abutting shaped onto the Street. group rear Though of of no three well 33. Bold restored character and they represent rare survivors retain of Warrington’s town much centre Georgian of heritage. They are constructed their in brown brick original in Flemish bond on stone base with two stone bands short and alternate quoins. Nos. long 25,27 and have sliding with sash panelled doors multi and rectangular No.29 paned fanlights. has two paned windows sashes and door with segmental elevation arch to and Wilson recessed Patten fanlight. Street rendered. Its has been altered The group is and set back from Wilson Patten Street in wooded is grounds part now used for parking. Part of the street Access is curiously retains from beneath its the adjacent telephone setted exchange, surface. an ugly concrete monolith which regrettably looms group. over the listed

gabled outer bays flanking a central wing with In 1995 the include conservation was extended Friar’s to adjoining Sunday Green School. Methodists were established on the site The c.1796 Church Independent and but the present building the dates is from a 1859. curious It structure gabled outer featuring bays flanking twin a central wing narrow with transverse roof. added The in south 1879. and west sides have A been thickened with stock second brick and buttresses massive added floor but structure traces was are of visible, the windows on notably the upper 1859 north elevation round and the arched apexes of the twin gables. The space on on south the side 1851 OS is shown as a grave the The School Sunday dating from 1911 yard. has window. It was built on the north graveyard after all remains had been removed except those of the a high gabled facade in hard red brick with deep window. It modillioned was cornice built and on tall round the arched north tri-partite graveyard Phillips. after Peter founder, all remains had been removed except those of the Other constituents of Bold Street are two and three nos. except brick red in houses town former storey 20,22 which are a pair only the of pharmacy, a as use bay in is 22 no brick, windowed brown villas in the exemplifies It area. conservation the in use retail residential onto signage retail applying in difficulties facades, and is an argument for limiting the incur- 22 No area. conservationthe into uses such of sion was once known as Its Arpley returnHouse. eleva- tion abuts onto1 Wilson Patten Street, which was called Arpley These Villa. properties probably date Wilson of construction the following 1870s, the from Street. Patten

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 48 eonsd ht h itra tw hue psesd rhtcua caatr n itrs wih was which interest and character worthy ofprotection. architectural was possessed It houses area. town the with in Victorian risk, buildings the at historic that the be recognised of could setting buildings the other and that townscape such the for was consequences users adverse Demand business demolished. from been area already the then in by parking had car for Street Museum in property A Street. Patten Wilson and Street Museum of remainder the in took area conservation PalmyraSquare of extension 1995 The the Museum elevation hashoweverof beenlost. prospect good a offered once which corner open railings.The with topped wall low a with 2-3m, by St.Austin’sLane and Street Bold from back set is building.building listed The a of loss the offsetting area conservation the to contribution positive a making as described be developmentnewcan the all In sills.and heads reconstituted), probably ( stone have revealsand within set are windows sash Wooden surroundings. its to well relate massing and stone.bulk Its art coursed of floor ground abovea brick red Stone House.of demolition The resultant development the is a three storeybuilding.involving apartment approved The wastwo upper floors are in development residential of scheme a 2003 In fruitless. were re-use secure ruinous.to and vandalised Variousattempts became and vacated was it 1980s the in but back from Bold Street. It had been occupied by the British Legion with its garden used as a bowling green The adjacent site was occupied by Stone House an builtC18th structure entirely of ashlar blocks and set built example form andprovide of afurther Warrington’s diverse religioustraditions. small car park. Nonetheless, the pair of buildings represent a distinctive feature of the conservation area’s The south elevation of the Chapel is marred by a stainless steel flue and by the neglected condition of the

49 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

No 23 is a two storey detached house without bays or gables, with slightly projecting brick portico with No 23 is a two storey detached house without bays or gables, with slightly projecting elliptical arch and pediment. brick portico with No 21 has ground floor bay with triple pointed arched windows above and smaller Both attic have gable. pointed arched with doorways hood mouldings with fanlights architraves, 4 ‘barley- and sugar’ terracotta It has an 1877 date plaque. Page 60). (See and fielded doors. panelled raised Nos. Nos. 7,9,11, Museum Street comprise a two storey block in ‘Gothic style revival’ with gabled attics and feature areas They of brick-on-edge Attic deepfascias. gables have projecting ground floor windows. bay was demolished pre-WW2 to5 accommodate an No. first floor windows. detail, or cogging, in panels over the Museum Service. 7 is occupied by No. Museum. of the extension No 13, now a dental is surgery, a detached villa of plainer style, central doorway flankedby paired sash cogging to eaves. hipped roof with brick windows; For many years the site of demolished 15/17 nos. lay unused but in 2002 proposals for the development of apartments approved. were Victorian its of detail and form the of interpretation successful a as described be only can development The Its ornamental and detailing. window brick bay floor ground form, roof gabled a of use its with neighbours, but heights, ceiling lower modern of because neighbours its of those as deep as not are windows floor first with the street scene. detail it is entirely in keeping height and massing and surface in overall 19/21 are a Nos. semi- detached pair of No two 19 storeys with has gabled attics. a wide attic gable over ‘JH’. a monogram contains plaque A terracotta window. bay over-sailing timbered half floor first unusual an floor. at ground Both re-windowed 4.5 Museum Street Character Area - Museum Street Frontages Character Area - Museum 4.5 Museum Street The north side of Museum Street was occupied by ten Victorian late town houses comprising a row of 4, extension an accommodate to 1960s c demolished was 5 No pairs. detached semi- two and detached two site of nos.15-17. recently on the A modern has been built apartmentto the Library; development the from character in different quite are frontages Its 1880s. and 1870s the in out laid was Street Museum representing a Square, change in tastes architectural from the mid to of late Palmyra earlier development The frontage is to C19th. a building line of These about are 3 now metres, providing small garden areas. appears frontage street the spacing close their of Because remain. walls boundary some but paved mostly the street. along viewed when row as a continuous

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 50 h cnevto ae i trs f iul mnt, ih e tes o otn h see Hwvr the However scene. area. street sceneandhelpstoscreentheparking the soften to trees few with amenity,wall the of boundary Technical visual valuablerailingsa iron is cast of yardfeatureSchool surviving its with the of parts of satisfactory least terms its in of area one conservation is and the vehicles by dominated is Street Museum of end west The School extended upthe StreetandisnowWinmarleigh alsoacarpark. former the Technicalyardof the parking side on Patten WilsonStreet.north the to properties On the serve to areas converted now gardens former are Beyond, park. car private a now is buildings,by temporary occupied once land educational formerly side, south uses.The civic to C19th, late the way,gavein frontages residential which beyondwestwards, distance similar a extend frontages south and north The built asoffices; three ground and four uppersashwindows. similar detail to nos. 14-20. 24 has received replacement windows. No. 26 is a post 1907 addition possibly Central 14-20.nos. than of houses of plastic.pair are a windowswhich are and entrance; 24-26 door Nos to higher arches brick elliptical 1882,slightly dated villa detached a is 22 No archway. the in installed but retain their flat gauged brick arches, a reversion style. to an earlier roller shutter has been A utilitarian with bullnose brick architraves. Doors are panelled, all windows replaced by top hung hardwood frames ,nos. Art of entrance.yardarched arched round centralDoorwaysSchool are fourwith of the terrace a are 1878, of dated 14-20, Westdetail. cogging brick some and lintels sills, stone with proportion in tall detached A small reveals. coach house rebuilt.remains deep though part very The Society for within the Blind occupies no. set 4 a detached are former villa, windows tall The sills floor strings first stone and and ground roof linking hipped with storeys two brick red is 2 footway.No of back at and ungabled are The south side of Museum Street is plainer. With the notable exception the of frontages the School of Art,

51 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

sashes with some limited replacement in ‘like for like’ UPVC. Though of rather austere appearance, the The Register formerlyOffice, Board of Guardians offices, stands at the junction Winmarleigh with Street. The building a substantial two storey hipped It design. is faced in roof hard red brick, in pavilion Flemish bond with finely is Windows gauged are lintels. multi-paned in a neo-Georgian sashes with style some limited replacement in ‘like of Though for like’ of UPVC. rather austere symmetrical appearance, the building is of undoubted quality and is one of only two inter-war buildings within the conservation It area. an important partin an otherwise weak also provides form element of built of the conservation area.

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 52 Museum Street. The return frontage of No. 20 Winmarleigh Street fittingly ends the row with full width full with gable andtwo storey heightbay. row the ends fittingly Street Winmarleigh 20 No. of frontage return Street.The 7,9,11 Museum nos to style in similar are feature.a notable They are windows floor first paired the over arches floor bays with parapets the whole enriched by raised brick and terracotta detailing.ground attics, gabled with Thestyle curved dripin mould grander altogether are four of blocks westernmost two versions.The attic roofed flat a sprouted has 25 piers.dormer. brick 31-37 are of similar but with terracottaloss band course.with 31 has rebuilta gabled dormer; 35,37 been have flat roofedhas no.23 of bay The lintels. stone square and doorways arched round paired ends, gabled have but style similar of are Nos.23-29 Ground floorsplayed bays have slatedroofs. Theeaves lineiscontinuous andtheroofhipped. nos.11,13.to style similar four,in butof groups to transition21 Terrace’ ‘Osborne a represents 1873, of Nos .11,13 ‘Springfield Villas’ have ground floor bays, stone lintels and pointed arches to doors. Nos. 15- ungainly ramp, replacementbay window andvarious rearextensions. is evidently dummy. Now in use as Warrington’s Centre for the Deaf the building has received a somewhat and gauged brick arches to doors and windows and stone sill /string course. The central first floor window Nos 7,9 ,’Carlton Villas’, 1872, are more of modest late Georgian style with hipped roof, ground floor bays spoiling theunityoforiginal. bay rendered been and of has 5 projecting form no Regrettablystyles. a Gothic floor in Victorian and villa Georgian between first large design transitional single has a of 3 appearance No.superficial storeys.the has three It eaves. above are pediment triangular 1873 dated Villas’ View ‘Halton 3,5 Nos Villa’ and House’‘Arpley underthe1985extension, were described above. half of the C19th- typified by the frontages to Palmyra Square. The end pair adjacent Bold Street, ‘Arpley class middle aspiring to occupants who appeal sought dwellings of individual character to in contrast to the more intending restrained taste of the first perhaps names given were houses earlier the of Several central have 39-45, for and gardens personnel passages. rear 31-37 generous Nos. the parking. means up a opening as accesses of appear share to owners agreed have neighbouring to cases places of in number is blocks the minimal, of restricting vehicular access to the rear. In Spacing a footway of provided. edge from m 3-4 enabling small front gardens and set line bay windows to is be building It 4 a 4. of in to rows houses 5 and town pairs detached 28 semi- of consists frontage The Wilson - Area Patten Street Character Street Museum 4.6

53 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

Only about four of the entire row remain in residential use, the very heavy road traffic being an obvious Some amenity propertiesissue. received have one or more replacement windows in UPVC or hardwood possibly as a noise Over half of reduction measure. the former garden been and walls have removed the small front gardens been have over to paved enable frontage parking. A notable exception is the recent colonnaded new tasteful its with building, this of refurbishment The apartments. to nos.43-45 of conversion porch, steps and reinstated wall and railings revival a to demonstrates contributed how have must the status Area Conservation presentation Undoubtedly of improved. these greatly be can elegant houses town future. of confidence in the street’s Viewed Viewed obliquely the rhythm of bays and attic gables is especially appearing Street frontage pleasing, entity. as a single architectural Wilson Patten along the entire the closely spaced blocks

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 54 n og its ih as b cniee where considered be development arise. opportunities also might vistas long in points focal or landmarks other for potential The however by attractive terminated building facades. Quay. Bank Views at and north south along Springfield Street are buildings industrial massive the Also visually very prominent are the views towards at developments by areas conservation some distance. upon exerted be can that impacts visual adverse for potential the illustratesscene. It the from detracts rather structure park road.However,car roof-top inner circulatory the former the of place in Street Bold along northwards view the closes now centre shopping Square Golden the to entrance newarea. A intervening the in developmenteventproposals of the in be considered should viewCliffe. This Hill at Bold ridge wooded from the towards southwards prospect its view for notable The area.especially is conservation Street the beyond features to views offers plan grid The along streets.views oblique normal the to opposed as ‘square-on’seen be can they as elevations surrounding the to prominence of degree a givescorner. space western open south The the enclose which buildings public bulkier of group the with balance in are Court Knightsbridge and Office Post old the whilst each other, balance square the of sides southern and eastern the on elements storey two The massing. and is achieved within Queen’s Gardens. This is achieved by buildings which vary considerably in height, bulk The most significant feature of the area’s visual appeal is undoubtedly the good sense of enclosure which 5.1 SpatialAspects have alreadybeenoutlinedintheprecedingsections. townscape of damage.aspects Various or intrusion loss, to relating example for aspects negative have and the detailed elements, such as materials and details which make up the street scene. Townscape may ‘Townscape’ is the term used to describe the relationship between buildings and the spaces between them 5. TOWNSCAPE ANALYSIS

55 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

Museum Street has a good sense of enclosure but as noted, this breaks down at its western end where Winmarleigh Street has however on apartmentThe new development the space opens out on both sides. side of this space. some enclosure on the west provided The telephone exchange though outside the Conservation Area is particularly Street group listed Stanley Its relationship with the unfortunate. it. within viewpoints makes its presence felt from various in Figure 13. are indicated features townscape Various

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 56 Figure13: Townscape Analysis

57 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

There are no other areas of landscaping as such within Palmyra Square Conservation Area but the There are no other the of features areas significant very are Street Bold 21 of no at tree single the and gardens landscaping the within trees mature as such within Palmyra Square Conservation Area townscape. but the The remodelling scheme successfully unites for the first time the eastern and western parts of the The remodelling scheme successfully unites for gardens the to provide a firstmore open timeand cohesive theamenity The space. use eastern the of unpretentious design elements with good quality contemporarymaterials ensures that the remodelled gardens equally blend westernwell and with of parts the historic and modern elements of the surrounding built There form. have however been instances design. of a more robust lighting which will require substitiution by level especially damage to low vandalism The major alteration is the creation opposite the Hall Parr of a semi-circular arena space with concentric rows of granite benching. An area of gravelled and granite slab paving extends the the and Hall arena Parr the space in activities with across association in used be can space the that so carriageway former the ArtsPyramid Centre. 5.2 The contribution of Landscape -Queens Gardens as remodelled Gardens of Landscape -Queens The contribution 5.2 The present appearance of the gardens is in large measure due to the remodelling extensive carried out earlier the with Continuity Agency. Development West North the of assistance financial the with 2004/5, in with easterngardens the of layout path pre-existing the of retention by maintained is gardens the of phase the Boer War been memorial has fountain as McFarlane The its centrepiece. gravel. A bound resin new in central resurfaced been longitudinal have path paths Secondary has yorkstone. been formed, paved in positioned along the main axis together with the large shrub- and urn planting which tree has New since been New panel. damaged. interpretationseating an with together installed been has lighting level low and new the of some Regrettably remain. which trees mature several the augment to out carried been has bery damage. from vandal lighting has suffered

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 58 of ae lot nvral o Wlh lt i hpe ad ald om. h erir hss of phases earlier The forms. gabled and hipped tend tohave steeperpitchesandeaves whichareemphasisedby corbelling orbrick reliefdetailing. in slate houses town C19th late cornice. The a Welsh or eaves plain a with pitches of flatter have generallydevelopment brick universally polychromatic almost of are area Roofs conservation the within example sole the decoration. is Chambers Austin’s St. effective whenusedinconjunctionwithstoneorterracotta e.g. the Technical School. type of brick which is more uniform in colour and smooth in texture. Unrelieved, it can appear bland but is Ruabon or Accrington red pinkish hard jointing. fine display the with very Later buildings stretchers), and headers (alternate used widely is bond Flemish origin. local of certainly almost is colour.It red orangy brown. / red toned darker a of The brickwork of the townuse houses facing onto the square is of good quality,limited regular in size and consistent some with colour orange-red an of mostly is brickwork The area. conservation panels at the Technical School represent perhaps the most exuberant display of terracotta work within the in its faience form, (glazed terracotta), is a major feature of the former County Courts. The scientist name infrequently.but only decoration appears scale sandstone small for pink Terracotta mainly appears, also School of PostArt, Office and Technical School. The stone is mainly buff sandstone or grit-stone. The Library/Museum, local buildings,the publicnotably the of forsome over.stone of made extensiveis More use use is made of stone for sills, lintels, string courses and other details. Some stonework is however painted of palette restrained its to materials, notably least red brick, stone and terracotta.not Brick due is the predominant construction material butis much area conservation whole the of cohesion architectural The 5.3 MaterialsandDetails

59 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

and stained glass top-lights. Doorways themselves can be the most significant part of a facade. The A remarkable number of original panelled scene, representing doors the craft traditions survive. of These the period are and their an retention should at importantbe encouraged. Springfield Those part Street are of the of especially street good quality, featuringand stained raised glass and top-lights. fielded Doorways bevelled themselves can edge panels School’s be Technical the to the grandiose, the form humble of a doorways range conservation area displays the most significant part The of a facade. flamboyant. being the most entrance grand

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 60 have received replacementwindows. properties of 50% Street Museum design.In authentic non- of windows replacement more or one have The loss of original windows has been most acute in Wilson Patten Street where some 60% of properties been donetodisplay signage. sasheswithsinglepanes.The laterbuildings tendtousehorned has this cases some bars.In glazing some lost have many though windows sash paned multi hornless original their of area.Fortunately,most the Palmyrafacadesretain of the Square interest general the to add ironwork and railings original examplesof fewsurviving the and plaques date as such details Other

61 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

5.5 The Public Realm The Public 5.5 furniture, street incidental the surfaces, footway and road the are realm public the up make which Elements railings. boundary fences, walls trees and greenery, open spaces, Historic photographs show the original carriageway surfaces to be part tarmacadam. The setts sett appeared paving to and be used part originally channels at setted old evidently but macadam bituminous junctions universally are surfaces but a c.1900s Today’s photo shows paved. sett Street Museum most of are these importantthat is It elsewhere. and Street Museum in survive kerbs stone granite or gritstone and large in paved originally probably were footways that suggests evidence Pictorial possible. where retained concrete slabs. Prior to conservation area designation, frontage parking on the narrow become forecourtsa problem resulting in damaged paving had and spoiling the setting In of the the 1980s buildings. an re-paving the involving propertyof owners, co-operation the with implemented, was scheme improvement of forecourts around the square with concrete slabs and sett margins and installation of iron bollards of the square. the appearance to improved This greatly parking. prevent At the time of survey in mid 2007, 11 estate agents boards were noted, representing about 10% of At the time of survey in mid properties, 2007, though in 11 some cases estate the boards agents relate to boards parts of The were premises. most significant noted, vacancy is representing if course about the School. No.2 Museum former Technical Street, 10% a large of commercial property is presently unoccupied. Perhaps the main maintenance issues are the neglected condition of the front gardens of Vacancy / Upkeep/ 5.4 Maintenance The external maintenance of buildings throughout the conservation area is generally of a good standard Street Stanley example for cases, of number a in carriedout being refurbishment of evidence is there water and of row this on evidence some is There South. Square Palmyra 1,3,5 nos. and Street Bold 12 nos. and staining Propertiesfrom possibly leaking Street Wilson parapet generally gutters. Patten on appear to be traffic. and fumes from heavy maintained despite the dust well Perhaps the main the Emmanuel Church maintenance and the Friars Green Chapel, issues probably for a repaint! overdue are frames Office window the Register both surprisingly, Somewhat dependent upon are voluntary efforts. the neglected condition of the front gardens of

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 62 are few innumber. these though columns, taller highwayrequires the buildings, adjacent of status the the where Street Patten Wilson in except to relation in not is excessive height relatively their part and most painted the For blackunobtrusive. are they gas but the lamps replaced have columns metal Utilitarian almost are areas universally gardens hardpaved. former the have and railings and the gone of most lamps, noted As railings. gas iron elegant by with topped wallslowby bounded gardens shrubby street a enriched reveal 1900s scene early the of Photographs The general lack ofconsistencyinfootway paving areaisregrettable. throughouttheconservation by yellow linesandbitmacfootways. butregrettably disfigured StanleyStreet at pavingremains granitesett of section bitmac.small all A are Street Springfield and work. utility footwaysNorth Palmyraby The Square of damaged badly also wayis side of Museum Street is in a poor particularly state with cracked flags and bitmac patching. condition. The south variable of carriage- The flags in sections some with bitmac mainly is Street flags. Bold concrete was extended side) and Suez to Street Museum butStreet (north elsewhere paving is bitmac or standard In the late C20th the footways around the square were repaved in small concrete squares. This treatment

63 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

“Streets for All, North West” pubished in 2005 by English Heritage, is an excellent guide to good practice practice good to guide excellent an is Heritage, English by 2005 in pubished West” NorthAll, for “Streets regarding the design and management of the public realm. It includes guidance on the selection, siting and rationalisation of street furniture and the design and of improvement streets and public spaces, with reference to examples of recent good practice in the North West the need of for England. co-ordination between The Local guidance Authority Departmentsstresses in matters involving the installation of signage, paving, lighting and other works which affect the appearance and quality of It the encourages public realm. the retention of surviving traditional elements which redundant signs and poles which unneccesarily clutter the street scene. add remove are urged to Authorities to local distinctiveness. Local English Heritage recommends where those are essential, the “consistent use darkof or receding colour” are recommended. The principlesshould be set adopted All” “Streets out corporatelyfor in as part of the Conservation Area Management Plan to provide a basis for the longer conservation area. term improvement of the street scene within the items under review and to remove redundant items where appropriate. The juxtaposition of signage with It is recognised that traffic furniture is a necessary and inevitable partas with ofthe other theconservation area modern reviews it is desirable streetto keep the scene provision and but positioning of such items under and review to redundant The remove items juxtaposition where of appropriate. signage with important buildings should also be carefully considered and consideration given to rationalising the use painted black Generally required. are panels multiple where harmonisingdimensions to sign and posts of steel. than galvanised posts are less intrusive The most intrusive elements of street furniture are inevitably the items associated with traffic The most intrusive street furniturethe locations worst Probably for clutter are the cross management. roads of Bold Street / elements of being latter the Street, Suez South/ Square street /Palmyra Street Bold and Street North/Egypt Square Palmyra furniture are inevitably are ubiquitous. lines yellow Double light controlled. the items associated with traffic

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 64 though outside the conservation area, has the appearance of waste ground to the visual detriment of detriment visual no.20 the Street.Winmarleigh to ground waste of appearance the has area, conservation the outside though Street, and Winmarleigh Street of Wilson Patten corner the at office tax former the of site cleared * The Street Stanley of grounds of condition shabby group. generally and treatment boundary effective of Lack * treatmentinMuseumStreetand * Lack ofconsistent frontage/boundary Wilson Patten Street. bin storage; waste frontage rows;some terraced on developmentsand apartment on appear boards multiple where intrusive particularly be can these boards- agents boxesestate and alarm as such clutter visual Minor * bus the and * Lack ofconsistencyinfootway Street paving; Bold of turning corner’ the ‘Museum movements attheSuezStreetcrossroadswhichalmostoverhangat thefootway. particularly conflict pedestrian/vehicle * * thepooroutlookfrommainentrance ofthePyramid andthepaintedfence opposite; * somelimitedbut intrusive signage; on Wilson Patten Street. properties some on and Street Museum of south Street Bold on especially parking forecourt intrusive * this area. in greenery and trees lackof the and Street Museum around parking car open the of impact visual the * Other negative factors include: hasalsobeenmentioned.effect street furniture ofsomemodern street furniture, iron railings and the greenery once provided by the small domestic gardens. The to intrusive referred have area conservation features original forof windownegativelosses as alterationssome and such example, aspects the Victorian of townscape and buildings the of descriptions foregoing The 5.6 NegativeFactors /LossIntrusionDamage

65 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

and quality of the Victorian townscape. However the strength of the conservation area lies in the very The most recent modern developments have been generally and quality successful of in the Victorian maintaining townscape. However the the strength of character the conservation area cohesion lies of in its Victorianthe The verytownscape. survival of so much of absorb to capacity limited a has the area conservation the Thus furthergood restrictsopportunities the infilling. for quality C19th building fabric diluting its historic without integrity. development new Despite the negative factors outlined above, the core of the conservation area around Analysis Townscape 5.7 Summary of Despite the Gardens Queen’s presents impression a of favourable a neat and appearance negative well ordered private overall and the public realm. enhanced greatly have forecourts the to and gardens the factors in works realm public The outlined as area the of future the in confidence stakeholder encouraged above, undoubtedly and area conservation the of the by the recent residential developments. exemplified core of Conservation Area the designation coupled with conservation to public and arrest private area economic investment has decline undoubtedly and development. around helped protect an important enclave of the Victorian era of Warrington’s

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 66 is not a major issue in this conservation area).is notamajorissueinthisconservation * Use of the LPA’s enforcement powers where appropriate in regard to unauthorised signage, (though this * Goodstandardofupkeep andmaintenance ofthepublic realmincludingQueen’s Gardens. an alternativetocolumns. with types unneccesary appropriate referenceparticular more to street lighting.by of replacement The potential for building furniture mounted lighting should be considered as street removal of programme term including longer to medium furniture A * street of possible where signage. rationalisation and Review * * Aphasedfootway area. totheconservation paving appropriate schemeusingconsistentmaterials Public realmimprovement guidelines, &managementinaccordancewithEnglishHeritage including; 6.3 Mainly Public Sector Issues dimensionsandnumbers. * Limitingestateagentsboardstothestatutory Buildings. Listed on windows replace to used be circumstances no in should types encouraged.Non-authentic be option, only to is design sash authentic the the possible as closely as replicates remains which product quality good a UPVC of use the Where building. the of appearance the improve greatly would These sashes.sliding vertical and frames wooden of type original the reinstate to term long the desirablein be would it design, non-authentic of frames hardwood or UPVC with replaced havebeen windows * Where South andlostglazingbars. Square Palmyra nos.5,11 of openings window the example forfeasible, where detail lost Reinstating * the building’s character; historic treatment to contribute which details architectural boundary other and windowswhereverdoors, Retaining possibleoriginal * of form suitable a reinstating and perhaps toaLocalAuthority designguide; parking area front remaining the Removing * of maintenance routine and painting * Maintainingtoagoodstandardthespacesaroundbuildings; including buildings of upkeep rainwater systems; and maintenance proper the * 6.2 Mainly Private SectorIssues public andprivate sectorresourcesandpriorities. medium and longer remedies.term These short, would be matters for to the themselves management plan taking into account lend may areas problem identified the appraisals area conservation other with As 6.1 Addressing thenegativefactors essential character areaasawhole. oftheconservation Victorian identified the address the of conservation to the developmentwith and change foraim pressures future balance would and factorsnegative which plan management a for basis a form should appraisal This 6 ISSUESFORACONSERVATION AREAMANAGEMENT PLAN

67 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

* The use and development of the vacant Technical School - this presents an architectural challenge and Change Development to Pressures for 6.4 Responding The development situation is subject to constant The change. main issues foreseen at the present time are: * The use and with reconcilable development be must of uses, or use future The the vacant order. highest the Technical of School sensitivity and imagination requiring - this presents an architectural challenge Quarter Cultural the within situ- context its with and importantits preservationof the features architectural opportunityThe entertainment. and assembly of places both Pyramid, the and Hall Parr the between ated area. yard of the south side and the associated the presentation to improve should be taken houses.Clearly town former the of character and use the upon concept Quarter Cultural the of impact The * these listed properties have a limited time the For capacity serviceincreased traffic. accommodate readily not to may streets the whilst signage, of addition absorb uses that require extensive alteration uses type office professional between or balance a retain can area the that assume to the reasonable is it being, relevant the against assessed be must uses new for Proposals activities. quarter’ ‘cultural with side by side analysis within this appraisal. the character UDP policies supplemented by * A matter which may arise in this context is Palmyra the Square provision South of via a the one with link link direct more of a between achieve its to the and Quarteruses Cultural frontage Museum/Library key other the buildings, with and building in importantpublic order to strengthen the relationship of this Gardens. centre via Queen’s town * In the longer term, an urban design strategy is western Street. Museum desirable to address sub- the of buildings between poor sandwiched now Northis Square quality Palmyra environment on Vicarage of Church Trinity Holy The * however sought, be may value release to attempt an in redevelopment Its bulk. and height greater stantially the scope furtherfor apartment be may curtaileddevelopments by the housing policy it Moreover limits. along the entire north form mass of built side of the square. an unbroken to create not be desirable would * Any proposals to this develop site in a more intensive form will require a building of good quality which neighbours larger the between relationship articulatesthe and neighbours its with gap separation a retains in an imaginative manner for example by imposing a different type of built form, perhaps with extensive glazing to reflect the park landscape.

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 68 red onFigure14. in indicated are boundaries adjusted a proposed correction.revealedThe need has which anomalies base minor of map number computer to boundaries present the of translation the Howeverfurther. CA of the town centre related to Palmyra Square so that there is no obvious reason to extend Palmyra Square and areas. conservation Street TownBridge the Hall Toonto characterthe of limit logical the west abutthe marks Street Winmarleigh east and north the to Areas context. peripheral its and Gardens around Queen’s square town the of core the embraces now extensions various its with Area Conservation The 6.5 Boundaries

69 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

Figure 14: Proposed Boundary Modifications Proposed Figure 14:

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 70 are relevant informulating LocalPolicy. Regeneration) to Heritage Built of (Contribution ER4 and Heritage) (Built ER3 particularly; relevant, still under the new planning system. RPG13 is currently under review, (RSS) however,Strategy Spatial the policies Regional within RPG13 are the became (RPG13) West North the for Guidance Planning Regional A1.3 RegionalPolicy to itsdetriment. ment within the Conservation Area and ensures the setting of the Conservation Area is not compromised the Furthermore time. to time designation of a Conservation from Area gives the Areas Local Planning Authority (LPA) Conservation review the ability to to control develop- 69 Section under duty a LPAshave of townscape initsbroadest senseaswell astheprotectionofindividual buildings. are discussed in more detail below. PPG15 prescribes that Conservation as policy situ.should address the in quality revised remains therefore be and revisedframeworklevel which policy forlocal will providesof the and developingPPG15 both regional - the at policy be PPG’s to yet reform, is PPG15 under although (PPS), currently Statement Policy is Planning system planning and Planning The Environment. for framework Historic policy national the the provides (PPG15) 15 Note Guidance Policy Planning A1.2 NationalPolicy framework area. withinaconservation or otherworks and policy by influenced been having complex,caselaw. be The can advice of the areas Planning Authority should conservation be sought by to those seeking to relating carry out development legislation The areasmayconservation besoughtby 4directions. LocalPlanningAuthorities by useofArticle given 6 weeks notice of intention to lop, top or fell any buildings tree. and Additional powers houses to control dwelling developmentwithin to the of curtilage within dwelling alterations houses i.e. and garages and some additions sheds. some The local planning authority as must be such area conservation a outside a within buildings unlisted of demolition required be not maydevelopment forthat the required be also formayPermission area. Planning conservation authority planning local the from required is Consent Area 1995.Conservation be October 2.4 published Practice (paragraphArea should confers. Conservation Publication Heritage designation context English of which regional obligations or and responsibilities local the the of in because interest” designated historic or architectural are “special a which areas of only to that demonstrably comparablevital is is it that area if Heritage conservation English of a view decision.The policy designate use land to major decision the that is guidance Heritage English English of 1.2 (paragraphbuildings. historic of PublicationHeritage AreaPractice Conservation published October1995). listing statutory the of expansion and for criteria the of reassessment the with parallel in greatly changed has designation to approach the time exist.this Over 8000 over now and designated was area conservation first the since years five twenty over been has It areas;nated asconservation accordingly. and,ifthey they sodetermine, shalldesignatethoseparts desig- be should area their of parts any further or anyparts whether determine to and section this under exercisefunctions reviewpast of to the time to time from authority planning local a of duty the be shall It areas.(b) shalldesignatethoseareasasconservation interest thecharacter orappearance ofwhichitisdesirable orenhance, topreserve and (a) shall from time of to their which time area parts determine are areas of special architectural or historic - localplanningauthority Every Areas)Act1990statesthat: Section 69ofthePlanning(ListedBuildingsandConservation A1.1 LegalBackground APPENDIX 1: LEGALANDPOLICYCONTEXTFORCONSERVATION AREAS

71 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

APPENDIX 2 : Results of Preliminary Consultation APPENDIX 2 : A1.5 The Management Plan The A1.5 The Management Plan will provide a strategy to formulated preservebe will Plan and Management the enhance that intended is the It Conservation appraisal. Area the in identified and issues the will on up pick will Plan Management the of adoption The date. future a at (SPD) Document Planning Supplementary a as itself be subject to further consultation. A1.4 Local Policy The Unitary Development Plan (UDP) 2006 is the adopted development plan for Warrington. However, under the new planning system this is now under review and will be replaced (LDF). by Framework a Local Development UDP policies include; Relevant of Conservation Areas and Review - BH6 - Designation in Conservation Areas. - BH7/8 - Development

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 72 eatet f h Evrnet 95Ls o Bidns f pca Acietrl r itrc neet -- interest Historic or Architectural Special of Borough of Warrington. (Seetext Buildings for general descriptions; allareGrade II unless otherwisestated). of 1975-List Environment the of Department 4.2 LISTEDBUILDINGS 628 grounds ofno.21 BoldStreet-findspotRoman Pottery. shown on1850and1890 town plans. Chapel.Chapel GraveyardsFriar’sMethodist the 438/22/0 at TwoGreen of south and graveyards north strengthened1938.Whole structure Extantbuilding. formed of Quakers and Wesleyan seceders. Present Chapel on same site built 1859/60 but much altered. 438/21/0 Friar’s Green Methodist Chapel - First Chapel built 1802 for society of Independent Methodists Sunday 1856; added houses School andkeeper’sMinister’s house1884. Chapel. (demolished.c1975). Sub surface remains. Street Bank by supersede 1850 to in Leeds built of Simpson Chapel James Street; Bold School, Sunday and Chapel Methodist Wesleyan 438/20/0 Ref. 4.1 ARCHAEOLOGYFrom CheshireCountyHistoricEnvironment Record HERITAGE AUDIT APPENDIX 4 mapsandillustrations toreproducethevarious usedinthisappraisal. historical permission the staff of the Warrington Libraries and Museum is Heritage Service gratefully acknowledged, as is their * Documents available at the Warrington Reference Library Local History Section. The kind assistance of * Strickland,T, 1995 The Romansat Wilderspool* * Pevsner,R,N, 1969 The BuildingsofEngland,SouthLancashire.* oftheRailways* Holt,G,RegionalHistory ofGreatBritain Vol. 10North West England. * Heawood, R,2001Excavations at Warrington Friary* * Hayes, Jand Crosby A,2003 Warrington at Work , Warrington BoroughCouncil,BreedonBooks. * Hayes, J, 1994 The oldphotographs series * Hayes, J, 1991Changing Warrington, APortrait ofa Town fromthe1770sto1990s. West. AreaAppraisals,* EnglishHeritage,2005-Conservation GuidetoGoodpractice; Streetsfor All,North * Durrant, ofFriar’sW 1951,History GreenChurch; GuardianPress.* (WBC). oftheEnvironment Interest. 1975ListofBuildingsSpecialArchitectural orHistoric * Department J,* Darling, 1989Portrait of Warrington, SigmaLeisure. * CSMRCountySitesandMonuments Record; Environmental Planning,CheshireCountyCouncil. ofCheshire,* Crosby Phillimore.* ,A,AHistory * Carter, GA, Warrington 1285-1985; Bridges Warrington MuseumsandCheshireLibraries * Carter, GA,1971 Warrington andtheMidMersey Valley.* * Beamont W, 1887 Walks About Warrington * * Beamont, W, of 1872History Warrington Friary* appraisal this in used references Other acknowledged.include: kindly is contains and this bibliography Heritage; comprehensive English a and Council County -Cheshire 2003 Survey Towns Historic Cheshire APPENDIX 3Historicalandotherreferences.

73 Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal

The soils of the surrounding area are principally sandy gley soils which are most suited to arable farming farming arable to suited most are which soils principallyare gley sandy area surrounding the of soils The Classes 2-3. and are graded (Furness 1978). ( see The information is above based upon Survey, information contained in the Cheshire Towns Historic Appendix 3). The underlying geology of the town comprises the Upper To northMottled Sandstone. of the in Mersey, To Group. Sand Hill Shirdley the of sand blown driftincludes the geology town, medieval the of vicinity the the south, in the area of the Roman settlement at Wilderspool, the drift geology comprises fluvio-glacial sand as and does gravel, the area around Church St.Elphin’s which is to believed be the original area of condi- ground these both overlaps area conservation The river. the northof the bank on settlement Saxon tions with the to position the of northMuseum Street Generally, forming the of dividing approximate line. Museum Street is underlying sand blown - corresponding with the rising ground Street,- towards Sankey whilst south of Museum Street is a narrow band of sand and borderinggravel onto the zone of alluvial and its meanders. deposits within the course of the Mersey (British 1977-8). Geological Survey APPENDIX 5 Summary of Local Geology LOCALLY LISTED BUILDINGS LISTED BUILDINGS LOCALLY Church. 7, 23, Emmanuel Bold Street: School. Methodist Church & Sunday Green Independent Friar’s Cairo Street: Registry School of Art; Former Office. 19,21; 7,9,11; Museum Street: Street). Wilson Patten 20 (corner of No. Winmarleigh Street: Note: Note: Nos. 13 and 15 form a group with 3-13 odd Springfield Street,12, Square. 9-21odd, Street, 10 Egypt Street and all the Listed Buildings in Palmyra Bold theGallery, Museum and Art Bold Street: nos 9-19 odd; no 21; No.12; Museum and Art Gallery; No.12; no 21; nos 9-19 odd; Bold Street: (corner of Bold Street). no.10 Egypt Street: Hall 13A-21 Parr and County Coll odd; Cavaille organ; Court; 1-13 nos. odd; nos. Square South: Palmyra School; Technical of iron. made fountain small Memorial to South Lancashire Regiment; Gardens: Queen’s Robertof home Pierpoint, family former stone; painted of house -1820 pre House Stone Lane: St.Austin’s site and 2003 Demolished Legion. British the to it donated later who (1892-1906) Warrington for P. M. Tory redeveloped. Post Office. General 3-13 odd; Nos. Springfield Street: Stanley Street: Nos. 25,27,29; former street now closed and made into houses. town former a private cobbled yard for the 13 and 15. Nos. Suez Street:

Palmyra Square Conservation Area Appraisal 74