Banksy art to be saved but Foundry’s future uncertain

Jonathan and Tracey Moberly, who set up the Foundry in 1998

While debate has raged over whether two ‘Banksy’ artworks on the side of the building should be saved, the Foundry‘s future remains uncertain.

When Hackney Council approved planning permission, on Wednesday 3 February, for the venue to be demolished and replaced with a 17 storey hotel, a planning officer recommended that the two Banksy artworks on the side of the building should be retained for display in the borough.

But this week, Banksy was reported to have said, “It’s a bit like demolishing the Tate and preserving the ice-cream van out the front.”

Bill Drummond, formerly of ’90s music act KLF, said, “Over 2000 exhibitions and scores of other events have been shown at the Foundry, way beyond that of any other art establishment in the borough, none of which dipped into the public purse.

“It’s another example of the council being unable to recognise art when they see it.”

The council’s position has angered Jonathan Moberly, who set the Foundry up with his wife Tracey in 1998: “They go on about saving Banksy’s work, but nothing about saving us,” he said.

The Foundry’s lease will end in April but the Moberlys hope to relocate nearby.

The hotel’s developers, Park Plaza Hotels, have pledged to help with any move, but are not required to do so.

A council spokesperson maintained that the leaseholders had not applied for Arts, Culture and Entertainment (ACE) status. Had the venue had such status,  this would have meant that ‘adequate replacement’ premises would have had to be found.

Council policy states: ‘The council resists the loss of an arts, culture and entertainment venue unless satisfied that an adequate replacement will be made.’

“If the council resists the loss of an ACE venue, why did the council not assist the Foundry in making such an application or make them aware that an application needed to be made?” said Moberly.

The controversial project has brought condemnation from many quarters, including English Heritage, local residents and the arts community.

In its assessment, English Heritage stated that it “believes that there is no justification for a tall building of this nature in this location and it fails to preserve or enhance the character of the conservation area.

“We believe that the current proposals are harmful to the historic environment for the reasons set out above and do not accord with national, regional or local conservation legislation or gudiance.

“We strongly object to the proposals and urge that planning permission and conservation area consent be refused.”

The council has been accused of breaking their own planning policies, as the site falls inside a conservation area and outside an area reserved for tall buildings.

Oliver Builleid of Shoreditch Conservation Area advisory committee, who is not opposed to the demolition of the existing building, said that the group’s comments have been ignored.

“Removing the existing building is not enough of a reason for change. We need to get the right decision for the long-term future of the site.”

However, a council spokesperson said that the development’s design and use of materials contributes to the conservation area.

Referring to the site being outside a ‘tall building area’, the council said that the site can be seen in the ‘context’ of Old Street and Old Street roundabout where there are buildings which have been consented to, of up to 39 floors.

At the 3 February meeting, planning committee member Cllr Linda Smith said, “What’s the point in having a conservation area if you say: because you can see big buildings down the road, it’s okay to build them here?”

The planning report stated that ‘numerous objections are not grounds for refusal in planning terms’.

However, not everyone objected to the plans.

Resident and Safer Neighbourhoods representative, Philip Kenyon, said, “It’s a fantastic achievement for the area and will replace a scruffy mess.

“[The hotel] won’t attract the usual binge drinkers but people who will spend money in the local boutiques.”

According to the plans, the hotel is expected to create up to 450 jobs, some of which are earmarked for Hackney residents.

The council will also receive around £1 million in contributions from the developer to pay for additional public works.

£150,000 of this is for a public art scheme which will be ‘designed and delivered’ by the developer.

However, Robin Priestley, who lectures on public spaces and planning at Central St Martin’s Art College said, “I have little faith that this will be able to recreate the atmosphere, sense of ownership and open policy that the current venue provides.”

Architects Squire and Partners said they hope to commence work as soon as possible with the hotel opening in 2013.

Note: this story was revised on Wednesday 17 February 2010.