Tooting History Group is actively involved in speaking up for historic buildings and other heritage assets in Tooting. Come and hear about this work at our next meeting with Libby Lawson, Conservation Officer, Tooting History Group.
Which buildings or features in Tooting need more TLC?
Are there any we could do without?
What should Tooting History Group be doing to improve Tooting’s built heritage?
We will be looking at local and national listing of buildings and other assets.
The meeting is next Tuesday, 14th November, starting at 7.30pm at the United Reformed Church, Rookstone Road, SW17 9NQ.
Tooting Police Station From Above (James Evans Archoptical Ltd.)
Tooting Police Station and the adjacent Police Section House have been statutorily listed by Historic England, thanks to representations from Tooting History Group. The Police Station was built in 1939 to replace the older (demolished) building which used to be on Amen Corner. It has been empty since October 2020 and is scheduled for residential redevelopment.
THG Conservation officer Libby Lawson made representations to Historic England and they agreed to the Grade II listing on 4th May 2021. It is one of the landmark buildings of Tooting and local residents have widely welcomed the listing.
Libby Lawson said “Tooting History Group is delighted that Historic England has recognised the architectural value and significance of the 1939 former police station and section house. Each building’s architecture is indicative of the best Modernist, Art Deco style of that period. There is little external alteration to adversely affect their character; they remain remarkably intact and retain their visual dynamism today; bold uncompromising, still modern, graceful sculptural forms.
The building was already locally listed by Merton Borough Council which recognised its architecture and local popularity. The new owners have already expressed their appreciation of the building and a desire to retain its historic and architectural features. We await their plans for the building with interest.
The building was designed by Gilbert Mackenzie Trench, and was completed in July 1939. Trench was Surveyor & Architect to the Metropolitan Police from 1920 to 1945. He worked within the Receiver’s Office and is probably best known for his Police Box design which has become more popularly associated with the BBC TV programme Dr Who as his ‘Tardis’. “
You can read the full details of the Historic England listing here. (Did you know there are horse stables and a gymnasium in the basement?)
What are the buildings, objects, features that make Tooting important to you? What does being “locally listed” mean? What do you want to protect and improve in Tooting? Come to our June meeting and find out about local listing and Tooting History Group’s role in drawing it up.
The meeting is at our usual venue – The United Reformed Church in Rookstone Road – details here
Totterdown Estate Opening (Copyright London Metropolitan Archives)
Have you ever wondered where the first public housing in Tooting was built? Do you know why The Totterdown Estate has been designated a Conservation Area? As part of the Wandsworth Heritage Festival, Tooting History Group has organised a walk around the Totterdown Estate. The walk will be led by local historian and Tooting History Group member Janet Smith.
WEDNESDAY 29TH MAY – 2PM GUIDED WALK: PIONEERING TOOTING – THE TOTTERDOWN ESTATE
The building of the LCC’s first ‘village estate’ in the early years of the 20th century marked the start of a new era in social housing. • Meet at Edward VII statue, Tooting Broadway tube station • £5 for non-Tooting History Group members • No booking required
We recently reported on a planning application at 46, Longley Road, Tooting for 5 terraced houses, each of three storeys, to be built in the rear garden. This is the house with a blue plaque on the front celebrating the fact that Sir Harry Lauder lived here between 1903 and 1911. THG lodged an objection, along with 30 other individuals. Wandsworth Council planners have now decided to refuse the application. The decision notice gives four reasons for the refusal. You can read our original report and objection here. You can see the planning application and decision notice here.
Tooting History Group 