When was sunderland civic centre built

All that is left of this now are the gateposts that are just to the side of the fountain. The left gatepost has a small symbol engraved into it just above the lower plinth. This is an Ordnance Survey benchmark symbol. These symbols are survey marks made by Ordnance Survey to record height above Ordnance Datum. If the exact height of one benchmark is known, the exact height of the next can be found by measuring the difference in heights, through a process of spirit levelling.

Most commonly, the benchmarks are found on buildings or other semi-permanent features. Although the system has long since been replaced by more accurate GPS measuring systems, these visible symbols can be found on a wide variety of structures around the UK. Many older residents of Sunderland lament the demolition of the old town hall in Fawcett Street in Courtesy of Sunderland Antiquarian Society.

By the late s, the council had taken the decision to build new premises as the old buildings were too small and in need of extensive renovation. The architect for the new building was Jack Bonnington, and the site chosen to build the massive new structure was on the edge of Mowbray Park on a hill looking across the town. The main layout of the Gollifer Associates-designed building and the brick pavements are designed around the theme of the hexagonal links of chain used in the shipyards, using brown brindled engineering bricks.

This is carried through into the interior of the building. The design also reflects a shift in the notion of public service, away from a traditional building centred around the council chamber and offices, and instead focusing on the public enquiry desk which is centred on the two interlinking hexagons that form courtyards. The high design concept has made the building more hated than loved, particularly by those who work there and have to negotiate miles of corridor to move between offices.

This aerial photo shows the building in the final stages of its construction in , clearly showing the hexagonal design concept. Whilst the aesthetic merits of the building are virtually unanimously derided by the people of Sunderland, they have also some notable fans. Spence's design consists of three principal elements, the largest of which provides accommodation for 1, administrative employees.

This comprises two low-rise blocks that form a figure of eight around two hexagonal courtyards. The main entrance is situated at the centre of the blocks and both courtyards allow pedestrian access to all parts of the Civic Centre. Spence designed the blocks so that none of the internal walls were structural.

This allowed the office space to be easily altered in the future to allow for organisational changes. The second element is a two-storey civic suite which includes a central double height council chamber. The upper level of this building accommodates a suite of committee rooms while the lower floor houses the council members' rooms.

The third element is a large multi-storey car park providing parking for staff and visitors to the Civic Centre, as well as for the general public visiting the town centre.

The whole scheme is clad using brown brindle brick and the window frames are made of aluminium. The main accommodation is arranged around two major hexagons with courtyards in the centre. A third, solid hexagon, located at the top of the site, houses the Council Chamber and Civic Suite. The building is set out on an unusual triangular grid which generates the hexagonal form. C20 challenged an application for a Certificate of Immunity without success, removing the likelihood of protection and constructive re-use until This website uses cookies to enable it to function properly and to analyse how the website is used.

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