A RECENT walk through Churchgate was a depressing experience.

A number of empty office premises, an empty pub and I believe another high profile tenant will be relocating soon. I would like to resurrect an idea I wrote about some time ago which was to designate the Churchgate/Silverwell St and Wood St as the Old Town within our town centre.

Old Town districts are normally found on the Continent where many feature original buildings from centuries ago which are then complimented by stores, street art, bars and restaurants that reflect the heritage value of that area. However, some European cities were destroyed during WW2 and these towns would recreate an Old Town based on on how it would have looked centuries ago. In a decade or two people forget the buildings are not original and just admire the architecture. A certain amount of artistic freedom could be used to create this effect.

If that isn’t possible then if perhaps some of the ugly buildings could be demolished and replaced with buildings of real appeal to tourists then this area may once again thrive. On my trips to Europe I have seen a Crooked House where the façade of the building looks like a Dali painting melting in the sun (the interior was disappointingly normal) and I’ve also seen a building turned upside down where all the fixtures are on the ceiling.

I know these ideas may not be feasible but they give an idea as to the direction I think we could be heading in with just a bit more creative thinking

M Kozlowski

Bolton