Campaign to Preserve Gloucester’s Historic Hatherley Road Building from Demolition

A historic former school and day centre in Gloucester, known as the Hatherley Road Day Centre in Barton, is under threat of demolition to make way for new housing developments. The Victorian-era building, constructed between 1899 and 1901, holds significant local heritage value and is deeply cherished by residents.

Developers have submitted plans to demolish the site, but these have faced strong resistance from the community and local councillors. Recently, an application concerning the method of demolition was rejected, marking a victory for preservation advocates. Dozens of residents, along with political representatives, have voiced their opposition to the destruction of this important historical asset.

Liberal Democrat councillor Sarah Sawyer, responsible for planning at Gloucester City Council, emphasized the importance of the building to the city’s heritage. Despite the building’s absence from the national listed buildings register, it is included on Gloucester’s local list of heritage assets, highlighting its significance. However, without official listed status, the structure can be legally demolished under permitted development rights, complicating preservation efforts.

Councillor Sawyer urged the developer to reconsider, proposing that future plans integrate the historic building into new developments. “We need more homes, but this building is cherished by local residents, and demolishing it would negatively affect the street scene,” she said. “It holds over a century of history and identity for this community.”

Labour Councillor Roseanna Marshall echoed these sentiments, stating, “The building is sentimental to many in the area, and its loss would erase important local heritage.” Councillor Usman Bhaimia also highlighted the personal connections many locals have with the site, noting its role as both a school and day centre for elderly residents.

Meanwhile, planning consultants representing the developer argue that demolition is necessary to clear the site for future housing projects, proposing to begin works by August 2026 and complete by December 2026. Their plans do not include preserving or rebuilding any part of the original structure.

As the debate continues, local advocates remain determined to protect this piece of Gloucester’s history, calling on stakeholders to find a balance between redevelopment and heritage conservation.