Recently, the ‘Old Laundry’ ruin has become potentially dangerous. This means that it is threatened with demolition. So we need to ask whether you would like to preserve it or let it be pulled down.
The Old Laundry
The building dates back to the early 1800’s and when the foundations for the surrounding housing developments were dug, there were a number of archaeological finds.
If the ruin is stabilised, it could be a focus for an interpretation of the history of this area.
It could also be used as a meeting place or a store for any woodland activities.
Funding to make the building safe can be found.
However, if it’s demolished? - Well, when it’s gone, it’s gone!
Please let us know what you think
We have set up a little poll to find out whether you want the building saved or not. It’s in the sidebar of this site (down the right hand side). All you have to do is click “Yes” or “No” and then “Vote”. If you want to say a bit more, you are welcome to add a comment to the bottom of this post.
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#1 by Murray Cook on March 8, 2010 - 5:22 pm
I think the laundry along with the other remains in the woodland represent an excellent opportunity for a community heritage project. This need not result in the preservation of the remains, but if they could preserved they would represent an ideal location for an interpretation board.
I’d be happy to discuss the matter further
murray
#2 by John JL Daeschler on March 8, 2010 - 7:21 pm
Just a dangerous building with no interest whatsoever, Has been crumbling for a long time and a safety barrier was erected by the council ? with warning sign posted.
The recovered lovely stone could be used to fix the crumbling walls around the old estate, towards hallhill steading to the new school path.
The walkway have to be re instated after the damge left by the wood logger, which makes the wood path unuseable.
#3 by RR on March 9, 2010 - 3:45 pm
It would be a shame to lose something which has some historical value and I’ve often wondered what it was used for. Unfortunately the old laundry became a ‘drinking den’ for up to approx 10/15 youths during the summer. It was the main gathering place every night and during the day at weekends. As a result the area became littered with broken glass, empty cans, plastic bags etc. which was hazardous to animals (wild and domestic). I also know that residents of houses close to the ruin were disturbed by noise till the early hours and I am positive that some stopped using the woods altogether. On the fence about this I’m afraid
#4 by Victoria Todd on March 10, 2010 - 2:45 pm
Aside from the historical aspects of the laundry, these buildings are sometimes very important roosting sites for bats, usually over the summer as temporary roosts. The ivy also provides excellent nesting sites for birds. Buildings are often demolished in the winter, following bat surveys (that reveals that bats are absent, so it’s safe), but the owners of buildings are often unaware of the summer importance of the sites.
#5 by david anderson on March 12, 2010 - 7:24 pm
Agree about the bats. When I was at Wilson Place I wondered if that was where the ones flying locally along the wood edge were roosting. Suspect, however, that the ruin is too far gone to reinstate. If it is viable, then go for it.