Forward not back

I don't want to get into a debate about whether or not the district council should spend tax-payers' money on a new office building. What I would like to get into a debate about is the buildings in Malvern.

If there is a single, well-designed 20th Century building in Malvern, please could someone point it out to me.

We have hundreds, if not thousands, of marvellous Victorian and Georgian buildings and we appear to have spent the 20th Century either restoring the same or faithfully copying them when we have had to build new buildings.

The North Site will be just such a case - rather boring pseudo-19th Century buildings.

It was when I read that the hospital in Lansdown Crescent is to be restored, after the 1960's additions have been removed, and that rather nice brick building on Worcester Road is also to be restored, that I wondered why no-one takes the opportunity to replace these old buildings with really well-designed 21st Century buildings.

They need not clash with existing buildings. You only have to go to France or Holland to see old and new buildings looking wonderful side by side. With modern materials and modern designs it should be possible to build something wonderful that is self-sufficient in energy and water and looks beautiful as well.

Malvern may originally be a Victorian Spa Town, but now it is a growing town in the 21st Century. Shouldn't we be looking forward rather than back?

Alison Pickford, Merick Road, Malvern Link.