dazza wrote:Interesting photos, Stevie. I wonder why the asylum block was the only one of the three poorhouse buildings not to have a listing? It's the only one which really still had any semblance of the original interior.
The building had little architectural merit and was in poor condition. One or two areas had layout from the poor law hospital, but much of the building had been remodelled inside. Some had aleady been demolished because of rot and vandalism.
The 20% VAT on refurbishment against 0% VAT on demolition and new build won't have helped any case for retention. I'm sure in 20 years forums like this will ask why demolition was allowed, not just this building, but Shieldhall House, the old Manse and Merryflats house (demolished around 1989) along with the gardens, bowling green and tennis courts.