ACTOR and comedian Griff Rhys Jones has lamented the decline of Southend’s landmark Kursaal as a campaign group pleaded for action to save it for the future.
Rhys Jones also president of the Victorian Society, spoke out as the Kursaal was named in the top ten list of buildings and structures in need of rescue in addition to others including the Cardiff Coal Exchange.
Each of the sites listed in the league of shame by the Victorian Society are in need of rescue and repair.
They are all Grade II-listed or above, meaning they are subject to regulations protecting their historical and architectural significance.
But the charity said in some cases it feared this was not enough.
Griff said: “How terrifying to see buildings I have known, loved or used all my life in Southend and Cardiff in need of rescue.
“But come on. Look at the character on display here. They all add colour and story to any urban landscape. Their restoration and reuse make huge commercial sense. They are attractions in themselves. They are already destinations. They should be part of local pride.
“What do we want? A parking lot? A faceless block in their place?
“A slew of new carbon pollution? When they have so much colour, continuity and history on their side already?”
Leading Southend historian Marion Pearce, who wrote history book “Milton, Chalkwell, and the Crowstone”, said more action was needed to safeguard the iconic building for future generations.
She said: “The Kursaal is vital to our new city of Southend.
“There is such a rich heritage.
“The building is unique, and it is a valuable and essential part of Southend.
“It is a disgrace that such an eminent society of the Victorian Society should have to place it in their top ten of historic buildings throughout the country that needs restoration.
“Our council should hang their heads in shame.”
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