A train station to be proud of, not to be gurned at
Classical architect Conor Lynch sets out his counter proposal for a train station in Perry Barr for locals to be proud of, not to gurn at.
Editor’s note: Submissions have been made to Birmingham City Council for the redesign of Parry Barr’s train station — not far from where this magazine was formed.
Initial designs were thrown out in September due to complaints from the public (you will understand why if you see them here). But on Tuesday, ‘Conservative’ Mayor Andy Street was pleased to announce a new, ‘improved version’.
The design (below) may be a little less offensive than the last but certainly will not, as Mr. Street hopes, ‘create a station that the area and community can be proud of’. Quite the opposite, in fact.
But it is possible to build something beautiful, something which locals can be proud of. Below, Conor Lynch, who favours Classical Architecture, sets out his counter proposal:
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This is a real opportunity to create something of long lasting beauty for Perry Barr. This proposal is simple, elegant, and robust. It is primarily a masonry construction with stone dressings and a pitched roof.
The entrance, as shown, has a central portico which bears the railway station's title on the frieze. This is the gateway to Perry Barr.
This design draws on the established and much loved architectural traditions of British railway. The gable ends are crowned by a pointed finial which visually breaks the seemingly static roofline.
This is a wholly modern railway station with all the conveniences one would expect of the 2020s. Its classical style and robust natural materials will ensure that Perry Barr has a gateway to be proud of for many decades to come.
