A short distance south from Haggler’s Corner (see yesterday’s post) is a short row of businesses, only one of which remains trading – a wooden staircase manufacturer and supplier called Heeley Stairparts. Alas, this too is soon to close its doors. The reason for this is that there is a plan to widen Queen’s Road at this point, meaning that this row of buildings needs to be demolished.

I discovered this when a lady across the street from me noticed me taking photographs and asked what I was doing. As the road here is very busy, I couldn’t make out what she was saying so crossed the road once the way was clear. It turned out that she was the owner of the staircase business and thought I was from the council – she’d heard that the council sometime photograph buildings that are due for demolition (I have no idea if this is the case or not).

I quickly reasured her that I wasn’t there in any official capacity and had just been attracted by the low sunlight on the buildings (although these shots are B&W, the storefront is a light green colour that was glowing in the light), and we chatted for awhile about the reasons for the demolition and how it was a shame that so many older buildings in the city are torn down for re-development rather than being repaired and restored.

I’m not a stick-in-the-mud who opposes all new development – far from it in fact – and understand that sometimes buildings pass their useful lifespan, or are simply unsuitable for restoration, and this row of shops doesn’t stand out for any particular reason amongst others in the city – apart from than the staircase store, the other buildings seemed pretty run down. Nevertheless it’s a shame that the woman’s business is going to disappear and I wish her well in her future endeavours.

Pentax Espio 140M & Kentmere 400.

Taken on 18 January 2020