An application to add the Columbine Hangar at the former Columbine Works, East Cowes on the Isle of Wight to the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest has been rejected by Historic England.
A number of people have applied to have the building listed, but after consideration, Historic England say there is no substantive new information to change their previous decision on a national listing.
World’s widest unsupported span
Those applying for the listing stressed the rarity of purpose-built waterside factories for the manufacture and launch of marine aircraft, including reference to comparators; the significance of Boulton and Paul as an aircraft manufacturer; photographic evidence included the SRN1 Hovercraft in the course of assembly.
One of those who applied for the listing was Thomas Cowley. He told OnTheWight,
“Architecturally it is important because it was the world’s widest unsupported span for decades. The offices either side cantilever the span. The construction and span is why it is important.”
Undisputed historical significance
In their summary of the application, the Historic England officer stated,
Columbine hangar is a prominent building on the Cowes waterfront and a site of undisputed historical significance but that interest is not manifest in the fabric of the building: the hangar was not built directly for, nor significantly modified for, the manufacture of its most famous products and thus claims to special historic interest are not sustained.
It is clear that this is a rare building type nationally, however architecturally, despite some positive features, it lacks technological interest and is also altered. The hangar is clearly of very strong local interest, and is rightly included on the Isle of Wight Local List, but does not merit listing in a national context.
The Columbine hangar has been assessed for listing on previous occasions and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has determined that it is not listable. We have reassessed this building given development pressures in this part of Cowes and latterly proposals for alteration to the hangar itself. While we have more detail in some respects than previously, there is no substantive new information which would allow a contrary view to be taken than previously.
Those who applied for the listing have been notified and have 28 days in which to appeal the decision.
World’s largest painted Union Flag
For those with no connection to work taking place within the building over the last few decades, Columbine will be best known for its huge painted doors.
The eye-catching Union Flag was added in 1977 and then repainted in 2012. As far as we know, it’s the world largest painted Union Flag.
Extensive background
There is extensive background detail about the building, what took place within it and previous listed applications in the documents below.
Image: davidcjones under CC BY 2.0
