Subject to consultation, Culvers Lodge in 110 London Road will be added to the local list of important buildings and structures in the borough. This means there would be a presumption against demolition.
It was officially nominated on Tuesday 14 October 2014 for inclusion following a proposal made by Francesca Bellucci, a member of the Hackbridge and Beddington Corner Neighbourhood Development Group.
Ms Francesca Bellucci said:
“This building is the only standing link to the Culvers Estate. This has value to people as part of their cultural heritage. Examples of local heritage such as this reflect the knowledge and traditions of Hackbridge from Victorian times to now. It gives distinctiveness to the Hackbridge area, providing a sense of continuity and a source of identity.”
The building has been assessed by the council as meeting the criteria for locally listed status.
Though its condition is poor, the building retains many original features including three stained glass windows. Further discussions about the building’s future use are continuing.
If its status is accepted it will mean the borough will have a total of 91 locally listed buildings or structures. A building must be of historical interest, economic significance, linked to a locally-famous person or historic event or of architectural interest in order to be considered.
There are no financial implications as a result of any decision.
The property is a council owned residential dwelling that dates back to at least 1895. It was originally part of the Culvers Estate which was owned by the Gassiot family who were wine merchants.
One former owner, Peter Gassiot, was a local magistrate and benefactor who is now buried in Sutton Cemetery. He was a founding member of the Marine Biological Association, a vice president of the Foundling Hospital, a member of the Royal Statistical Society and on the council of the Zoological Society.
Councillor Jayne McCoy, Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business, said:
“Buildings like Culvers Lodge help give an area its identity and are a community asset. The fact that the Hackbridge and Beddington Corner Neighbourhood Development Group have championed its cause is great so we are delighted to support their request for local listed status.
“A lot of people have worked very hard to pull together the evidence needed to support the case for listing. We’d like to take the opportunity to thank them for their efforts.”