Comparison of Port Sunlight and Letchworth - Assignment Example

Comparison of Port Sunlight and Letchworth The original concept of the garden arose with Ebenezer Howard, who was raised in a rural environment and visualized the Garden city as one that “that, as it grows, the free gifts of Nature- fresh air, sunlight, breathing room and playing room- shall be still retained in all needed abundance"(www.rickmansworthherts.freeserve.co.uk). However, the major source of his inspiration for garden communities was drawn from his exposure to the master plan drawn up by landscape artist, F.L. Olmstead for the reconstruction of the city of Chicago that was destroyed by the great fire in 1871 (www.letchworthgardencity.net). This plan included spacious plots with landscaped parkways and roads. Back in England, Howard witnessed the outbreaks of disease in industrial towns due to unsanitary, crowded living conditions and witnessed the efforts by other industrialists such as Lever and Cadbury, to create garden communities. Howard also drew upon the new movements in architecture and design that were being advocated by Ruskin and novelists like Bellamy, as the sources of inspiration for his utopian vision for a city. This vision envisaged a very large development, comprising several garden cities clustered around a central city, the Letchwood Garden City. Port Sunlight Village a single garden community - the creation of William Hesketh Lever, who wanted to share his wealth with his workers and alleviate the filth and squalor of their living conditions. Port Sunlight was conceived as a model garden village community for his workers with decent housing at an affordable rent, schools, libraries and public buildings. The creation of the Port Sunlight community for the workers at the Lever soap factories was a response to the dawn of the industrial age that brought English workers pouring into cities from the countryside. Cities were however, unable to support the civic needs of the expanding population, leading to slum conditions for the workers. The invention of modern plumbing and improved building methods improved housing conditions, together with the development of the Garden Suburb Movement, which sought to provide housing in sylvan surroundings. This was the basis upon which the Port Sunlight Community was created, as a mutually beneficial arrangement between Lever’s company and his workers, motivating them to work hard for the benefit of the Company because it was also in their own interest (www.portsunlight.org.uk). Howard’s Letchwood differed from this garden community in that the number of communities is greater; it comprises a group of communities rather than a single community. Moreover, the process of formation of the communities was different; in the case of the Port Sunlight Village, the founder was a single person – Lever, the founder of the Lever soap company, who also arranged for the funding for the construction of the community. In the case of Letchwood, there was a group of well known individuals who formed a company to manage it, while funding was arranged through a public issue of shares in order to raise capital. The Letchwood community was thus equivalent to a group of several Port Sunlight village communities and it has been operated by the Letchwood Garden City Heritage Foundation, which is still responsible for managing and maintaining the communities. The layout of the original Port Sunlight village was spacious and beautiful, providing for plenty of open spaces and the beauty of nature within one square mile of land. The style used in the public buildings was old English, which was pleasing in design. The cottages were in blocks of 3 to 10 cottages, built along European style tree lined boulevards (www.portsunlight.org.uk). The architectural styles included Flemish and Dutch together with English. The cottages were built for the working man and were designed and built economically, with individual bathrooms but no cellars. This also enabled reasonable rents to be charged. But while the interiors of the cottages were basic, the exteriors were elaborate and Greendale Road faced the railway, so that it enhanced the visual impact for trains that passed by. A variety of high quality building materials were used with exquisite detailing that helped to improve the overall look and aesthetic beauty of the village layout. There were also medical and sports facilities, with high standards of health, morality and a sense of community. This was geared towards promoting a sense of cohesion within the community, which was missing in other similar communities. The Lyceum for example, is one example of a building built in the pre-Jacobean style, with religious undertones to preserve a reminder of morality – but used for a variety of purposes over the years, such as a girl’s institute and a church, while it is now used as a bank. The Port Sunlight and the Letchwood communities were similar in that they both had their own magazine, reporting on events in the communities and on issues pertinent to the residents. In the case of the Letchwood community, it was the Spectator and in the Port Sunlight community, it was the Port Sunlight Monthly Journal. The Letchwood communities also aimed to provide cheap and good housing alternatives for the working class, in the same manner as Lever sought to provide reasonable, quality accommodation for his workers. Since the cost of building was becoming more and more expensive, John St Loe Strachey (1860-1927), the proprietor and editor of the Spectator proposed a cheap cottages exhibition. He believed that a dwelling which cost 150 pounds would be a viable one for workers to rent. As a result, several cheap dwellings were built made different materials like wood and concrete and utilizing different building methods. Most of these cottages are still in existence, although alterations and modifications have been made to them over the years. As opposed to the Port Sunlight community where the residents were mostly employees of the Lever company, the Letchworth communities were comprised of several businesses including printers, weavers and light engineering industries (www.letchworthgardencity.net). In the 1950s a new company was formed to run the Port Sunlight village – Unilever Meyerside, but most of them were not housed in the village. The increasing prosperity of the 1950s resulted in structural improvements in the community, as well as better facilities. In the 1980s, this prosperous state yielded to social and economic conditions which made the tied tenancy system an unviable one, especially since it became almost impossible to maintain a fair selection process. Many of the houses were sold and the Village trust took over the management of the village from 1999, to preserve the character and fabric of the community. During the world wars, the Letchworth communities played an important role, since some of the companies operating from them contributed hardware, munitions and equipment for intelligence work. Many companies are still based in Letchworth in the present day, operating locally, nationally and internationally. New plans have been recently been announced to revitalize the Letchworth Garden City Town Centre, through an improvement of its commercial prospects by improving its retail unit structure, improving the street scene and the shopping environment as well as providing a family friendly focus by including a children’s play centre (www.thenextsteps.co.uk) …………………………………………….1158 words 2. One of the notable aspects about the Port Sunlight village is the nature of landscaping interlaying the dwellings, which makes it a picturesque and peaceful location. The cottages and dwellings that form a part of the community have been designed in a variety of architectural styles, which spark the interest and attention of a viewer/visitor, especially since some of these well designed dwellings are also visible from the railway track that pass behind it. The Lady Lever Art Gallery which is a notable attraction in the area has a beautiful garden, with a variety of flowers and trees. Other public buildings are also located strategically at the centre of the village, while dwellings are arranged in groups of 3 to 10 buildings which are divided by spaces that are landscaped. The public buildings include a post office, village shops, cinema theatre, museums, art galleries, all of which are made with building materials such as red brick which are also designed to be aesthetically pleasing, while also serving a functional purpose. The cinema theatre is house in Gladstone Hall, which is utilitarian in design but conforms to the same pattern that is replicated in some cottages within the community, being functional and pleasing at the same time. Many of these commercial dwellings are now occupied by other businesses such as banks. The Heritage Centre is the focal point of the entire village and is the centre of all community activity, the seat of operation of the Sunlight Village Trust, which is entrusted with the job of maintaining and preserving the garden community. The Heritage Center stands out in its design which is built half of timber and half of bright red brick. It is notable for its Jacobean design in construction, which allows for its multi functional use and over the years, it has been put to several different uses. The post office construction also reflects a half timbering. It is located at the end of Park road and this design replicates the theme of other buildings found along Park Lane, thus providing a sense of unity and integrity in design. Buildings in the village, both dwellings as well as public buildings are characterized by spacious lots ranged along wide, tree lined boulevards. The village trust has taken on the job of maintaining all front gardens while residents are encouraged to care for their rear gardens and participate in garden competitions, so that a high standard of aesthetically pleasing greenery is maintained. The layout of the village is such that plenty of allowance has been made for parks and open spaces in order to provide an aesthetic, pleasing atmosphere. The architectural designs and facades aim to attract the attention and admiration of viewers. Simultaneously, there is a great focus on preserving the original goals for setting up the village, that of preserving the health and safety of its residents. This is ensured through adequate allowance of space and avoiding of overcrowding in the design and layout of dwellings and public buildings. There are approximately 250 buildings and dwellings in the village, with intervening areas, pathways and avenue extensively landscaped with greenery and flowers. …………………………523 words 3. When the Port Sunlight community first came into being, it was managed by the Lever Brothers, who owned the Lever soap company that housed many of its employees within the community. From the 1960s however, the management of the Port Sunlight community was taken over by UML Limited, which was a new organization created by the Lever organization, whose members did not necessarily reside in the community. The fixed tenancies which initially characterized residency in the community shifted in the 1980s, when a general trend to purchase homes developed within the UK. Management of the community was handed over to the Port Sunlight Village trust in 1999. This is an independent charitable organization and its primary goals are to preserve the culture and heritage of the area. The trust actively seeks public funds and funds from investors in order to fulfill its goals and ensure maintenance of the character and heritage of the Port Sunlight village. The value of this site is such that it has been recommended for preservation as a heritage site due to its historical and aesthetic value. In the constant battle for funds which the Trust tries to raise to continue its maintenance operations in the area, it recently entered into a partnership with Miller Homes to build 19 new houses and 76 plans within the village. This proposal has been opposed by the residents as well as the Wirral council, as constituting an unacceptable construction, not only because it would interfere with the availability of open spaces and parks in a central area of the community, but also because it would constitute the “uncomfortable introduction of a different architectural theme”. (www.planningportal.gov.uk). The construction of these flats and houses is viewed as directly contravening the goals of preservation of the heritage value of the community, as well as the goals of conservation, which the Village Trust aims for. Residents and conservationists have offered stiff opposition to this construction because it would interfere with the existing styles of construction and damage the historic value of the area. They have suggested instead that the Port Village Trust can take advantage of the high property values in the area. Rather than building modern style dwellings in the area, it can enhance and embellish the character and heritage value of the area by building house in similar, traditional styles. However, another development has also been proposed by the Village Trust. This one seeks to have 48 flats built along Wood Street, which is mainly comprised of derelict offices. Unlike the previous development which was proposed to be located within the central area of the village which contains most of the heritage buildings such as the Gladstone Hall, the Lyceum, the Post Office and others, the location of this development is in a different area of the village, which is not so well preserved due to lack of funds. This development has been allowed to proceed, although there has been some opposition from residents and conservationists on grounds that the interloping of modern buildings would interfere with the historic character and ambience of the Wood street location. ……………………….516 words 4. This survey pertains to the property the purchaser wishes to acquire within the Port Sunlight village in Wirral. The property is located on gently sloping terrain, with an adequate amount of landscaping and greenery. The slope of the land is optimum and offers excellent drainage. However, this surveyor has noted that there are some cracks present in the walls, which appear to indicate that there may be a foundation problem that must be looked into. In view of the age of the property, there may be some problems present with cracks in the foundation, which are also showing up in the form of fine cracks along the window panes. This may pose a problem in the future if not attended to immediately. The property is however, is an excellent investment and a good financial asset because of its historical value in the market, which will ensure that it has a good resale value for quite some time to come. With the repair of the foundation, this resale value of the property will be even greater. However, there are certain legal problem areas that may be identified in connection with this land. One of these is the question of title of the property, since the documents show that this piece of land has remained under a tied tenancy, as a result of which it appears likely that the descendants of the previous earlier tenants may be able to lay a legal claim to the property. It appears that there may be a need to examine the title more deeply in order to assess whether the tenancy may still be in existence or whether it can legitimately be overturned under the new Land registration Act. The question that must be examined is whether the new owner will be able to ensure the validity of title by registering the property. Another aspect that must be examined further is the question of title to certain portions of land located at the front of the property. These are located very close to heritage buildings, i.e, the Gladstone Center and ownership of this land is likely to be shared with the Village trust. The Buyer needs to ascertain whether the borders of the property as shown in the land plan are indeed accurate, because it appears that the actual limits may be less than what is currently shown in the plan, since some of the designated areas appear to fall under the ownership of the heritage buildings. However, the positive aspects to be noted about this property are its aesthetic value and the value of the construction due to the historical Victorian design. This property has a great historical value and is likely to enjoy an excellent resale value if the repairs to the foundation as mentioned earlier are carried out………………..465 words. 5. During the process of preparation of the above report on the Port Sunlight and Letchworth properties, the major research sources were the websites of the two properties. These were valuable sources of information. For example, the website http://www.portsunlight.org.uk/ contained a great deal of relevant and useful information on the history of the community. It also provided information about the architectural styles of the various public buildings within the community and the materials used in building. The website www.rickmansworthherts.com was useful because it contained a descriptive article explaining the concept of the Garden city as put forward by Sir Ebenezer Howard. Another website: www.planningportal.gov.uk was useful in gaining information on the present legal conflicts raging in the community, where the Trust’s move to introduce new real estate development is being opposed. The website www.letchworthgardencity.net proved to be a useful source of information on the history of the development, and information about how the variety of low cost housing cottages was developed. www.thenextsteps.co.uk was another useful site which set out the new developments that are taking place in the Letchworth garden city communities. All of the above websites were useful sources on which I have based this report. The main port sunlight website also contained message boards where residents and visitors had posted their views. This was interesting to go through to get a glimpse of the kind of issues that were being raised by residents; however the most important of these appeared to be their resistance to the new constructions being proposed by the Trust in association with other real estate developers. The other issues discussed were not relevant for purposes of this report. The Letchworth website also contained information about the various art, sport, gardening and other associations within the garden community. While this information was interesting to provide a picture of the communities and the facilities available for residents, they constituted incidental information rather than substantive material that could be used in this report. I found it difficult to obtain information on layout plans of the communities, and blueprints of construction plans of buildings, even the public heritage buildings. In general, specific information pertaining to the land itself such as the Master Plans for the development, survey maps, etc were not available to make a detailed assessment. The presentation in this report thus relies on the general basis of information available through the websites mentioned above. Controversies such as the opposition to the new developments proposed by the trust were however, well documented in online sources that were available. Preparing this report was a real eye opener for me in the sense of highlighting some of the detrimental effects of real estate development and the need to preserve heritage sites. The passion and dedication of the residents to preserving the historical value of the communities was inspiring. For me, it helped to highlight the foresight and planning that had gone into these garden communities, allowing room for growth and change without compromising the quality of life through congestion and over building, especially of the high rise variety that are common in cities. I was able to conclude that any real estate development must also take into consideration the future impact of new building plans, over the long term. It is not adequate to merely consider the economics in real estate construction and development, and the question of profit margins. Ensuring and maintaining the quality of life through provision of adequate spaces and facilities for residents appears to be as important. The two communities that were examined in this report exemplify the value contained in them, because they have survived in the long term by ensuring that a certain quality of life is maintained. The urban sprawl that is being noted in many cities in modern times, where development is moving out into suburban areas may be a healthy trend, because it eliminates overcrowding and pollution in the inner cities and ensures a better quality of life in more open spaces in suburban areas. Planning garden communities such as Port Sunlight and Letchworth may be beneficial in preserving quality of life in the new developments…………………………………………………685 words References: * “Historic Port Sunlight development blocked” Available online at URL: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/1115312336885.html Retrieved March 25, 2008. * “Letchworth: The First garden city.” Available online at URL: Retrieved March 25, 2008 * “Letchworth Garden City: The next steps for the Town Centre”, Available online at URL:< http://thenextsteps.co.uk/about_quick.asp> Retrieved March 25, 2008 * “Port Sunlight Village” Available online at URL: Retrieved March 25, 2008 * “The Effect of Sir Ebenezer Howard and the Garden City Movement on Twentieth Century Town Planning”, Available online at URL: http://www.rickmansworthherts.freeserve.co.uk/howard1.htm, Retrieved April 2, 2008 Read More