"Iconic" building saved

[Serial_Apologist]

Interesting short film here

about the plans for Kilmahew/ St Peters Cardross.

Would really love to visit .

It's a bute. (or was).

[jean]

The sideburns on those servers!

[teamsaint]

The sideburns on those servers!

Yet again, I seem to have missed a key point.



Must say, I wouldn't mind making a trip of it, and seeing some of the other churches in the Scotland that they produced. A truly astonishing legacy.

[Dave2002]

Yet again, I seem to have missed a key point.



Must say, I wouldn't mind making a trip of it, and seeing some of the other churches in the Scotland that they produced. A truly astonishing legacy.

Amazing how much the structure has deteriorated in a relatively short time. I always assumed that ruins took centuries, like at Angkor Wat, to disappear into jungle and vegetation, but it doesn't look as though it takes too long from this example.

[P. G. Tipps]

Amazing how much the structure has deteriorated in a relatively short time. I always assumed that ruins took centuries, like at Angkor Wat, to disappear into jungle and vegetation, but it doesn't look as though it takes too long from this example.

Speaking entirely for myself, which I always do of course, this vandalised concrete ruin (one can almost sense that sickly stench of stale urine by looking at current photos) is a depressing symbol of the social decline in so many aspects of post-war Britain, both religious and secular.

If there were any chance of creating a thriving cultural centre out in the middle-of-nowhere I suppose there might be a case for saving the building but I fear this is most unlikely to be case.

In any event, I doubt the renovated building would look any less ugly than it was when I, and many others, knew it in the days it was a seminary.

Knock it down, forget about it, and return the site to Mother Nature, for pity's sake ...

[MrGongGong]

Speaking entirely for myself, which I always do of course, this vandalised concrete ruin (one can almost sense that sickly stench of stale urine by looking at current photos) is a depressing symbol of the social decline in so many aspects of post-war Britain, both religious and secular.

Oh give it a rest won't you
The church is dead and doesn't need hundreds of young men to be indoctrinated anymore

but this is a wonderful building that still has a life like the music of Bach

[teamsaint]

Oh give it a rest won't you
The church is dead and doesn't need hundreds of young men to be indoctrinated anymore

but this is a wonderful building that still has a life like the music of Bach

No, TBF, it is in the middle of nowhere.
It's at least 20 miles from Glasgow, and over a mile from the nearest railway station.

Although In terms of " success" , Hinterland sold out, and I'd be happy to bet that the performance space and the reopened ruins will attract large numbers of visitors.

[MrGongGong]

No, TBF, it is in the middle of nowhere.

so is this



and it's always busy

[P. G. Tipps]

Oh give it a rest won't you
The church is dead and doesn't need hundreds of young men to be indoctrinated anymore

but this is a wonderful building that still has a life like the music of Bach

As the great man once said, Mr GG .. 'reports of .. death have been greatly exaggerated' ...

When I listen to Bach I might "associate" the great music maybe more with the architectural gems of Alexander 'Greek' Thomson rather than the infamous eyesores of Jack Antonio Coia & Co ...

Of course, as in music, there may be some beauty in a building, even a perceived eyesore, that some like myself completely fail to appreciate.

That was most certainly true of the former St Peter's Seminary, Cardross, especially when viewed bang right up against a noticeably fine Scottish Baronial pile.

Just my ever-humble opinion, Mr GG ...

[Dave2002]

For once I am veering towards agreement with you, PGT. It looks as though that seminary has already gone too far to be an economic renovation proposition - even if one can ask the question "why bother?". Doesn't look a very sensible project, though maybe others can convince me otherwise.

[teamsaint]

For once I am veering towards agreement with you, PGT. It looks as though that seminary has already gone too far to be an economic renovation proposition - even if one can ask the question "why bother?". Doesn't look a very sensible project, though maybe others can convince me otherwise.

Dave, It's certainly worth looking at NVAs plans .
Essentially ( I think) they intend to create a 600 seat events space for year round use, and to stabilise the rest of the ruin and grounds and gardens so that they are safe to access. Restoration includes reconstruction of the roof above the chapel area, which were thought to be one of the finer elements of the original.

The opportunity to see what is notable building in a unique condition ( modern ruin) in a context that brings people safely back into the area is surely worth the effort.
There has been plenty of discussion about how the buildings might , or might not have a future, and I'd say , having read the recent substantial book from a layman's perspective, that the current scheme looks full of value .

Going back to Scotty's post, there were surely elements of the original scheme that were both impressive and beautiful.There were also design elements that were very innovative , apparently.

Why bother ? Because even an architecture numpty like me can see that what is at stake here is the preservation, somehow, of one of Scotlands ( or Britains) most important twentieth century buildings.Its a building that, integrated into its story as a building, is social and religious history , a story of really significant change.
And you know what, I bet the scheme will benefit the local economy. People are going to flock there. I'm going !!

[teamsaint]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-44373883

Very disappointing but not unexpected news.

[MrGongGong]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-44373883


Very disappointing but not unexpected news.

Very sad indeed

[teamsaint]

" Photo Essay" from the Guardian on St Peters seminary.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/feb/08/scottish-modernist-ruin-awaits-a-saviour-a-photo-essay-st-peters-seminary-cardross

[eighthobstruction]

....do you think there are any buildings being built at the mo' likely to cause such a stir....every thing seems so bland....will a tune like - Yes we have no Bananas- ever get in the charts....everything is no more interesting than Belling B160F Electric Oven....and of course the Catholic Church hasn't got the money to throw around, nor the Jesuit zeal to take over the.....