Preserve our heritage
LIKE a voice in the wilderness I have to agree with Terry
Gillman ( TB 15/6/2019) and I have to apologise for not commenting on the destruction of the iconic Criterion Hotel before now.
Townsville is unique and has a difference to Cairns and Brisbane to the point that tourists want something out of the ordinary compared to the new-age, brick-block dog boxes with windows in for buildings. Let Townsville be different.
The Townsville City Council has a duty to the past and the present generations to preserve the historic buildings to be incorporated into development.
There has been many historic buildings demolished in Townsville over the years (eg Wintergarden Theatre, Old Town Hall) to make way for progressive buildings which have no character, only a practical use.
How much money has been spent on the mall – and it has made no difference to the use – and again we get a consultant probably from down south to revamp Townsville into a mini Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne.
The Townsville City Council has to get a backbone and look at Townsville as unique with its own personality and to offer tourists something different and not more of the same.
Take a lesson from San Juan in Puerto Rico, which has strict regulations on its old heritage buildings within the old Spanish fortress. The historic buildings have to be restored to maintain the 16th century character of the city at least, if this is not possible, the facade has to be maintained of all buildings.
This has worked well and the architects have showed their diverse skills in incorporation of the old with the new without compromising the character of the buildings. Many of us in the community grew up with these historic buildings being a part of our lives and history.
The wokeness of the current generation in removing anything that is old and historic, has for far too long governed this council and it decisions (how many councillors who are making the decisions grew up in this great city?).
Are the councillors making these decisions or are they delegating the power to make the decisions to others.
The “let’s pull everything old down to make way for new development” mentality of developers, to make a quick buck, has hit Townsville big time.
It is about time the councillors realised they have been entrusted with this great city to maintain its history and character, realising they have been empowered to make decisions in the best interest of Townsvillians and the city, not developers.
Let the Criterion be a beacon of the past and the future. And be strong on saving our heritage.
Don’t demolish the Criterion Hotel. SANDRA CHESNEY, Jensen.