Suburbs and Approaches character studies: Mill Road
Kilian recently submitted an application to the City Council for a “Suburbs and Approaches Character Study” to be made of Mill Road.
A large number of gateways to the city are on the shortlist and the Petersfield part of Mill Road is already a Conservation Area. Consequently it would be very strange if the other half of Mill Road were not strongly considered for this status.
Unfortunately the present boundaries of the Conservation Area are socially divisive, especially when they are reinforced by the fact that the city-centre officially ends at the railway bridge as well. The submission explains: “The railway bridge should be seen as a link between communities with shared interests and a shared focus on Mill Road, which runs as a spine through the area, not the opposite. The murals on the bridge are a sign of this link.”
Other reasons for this part of Mill Road’s designation as a Conservation Area include its importance as a gateway to the city, which will only increase with the Marshall’s development; its historic interest as the first major expansion of the city after the medieval period; its unique social character in the city; and its planted landscape, which includes many ginko trees.
Kilian would like to thank Allan Brigham for helping to put together a strong submission for Mill Road.
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