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'Teletubby' building starts to win over resort critics
A "flying saucer" style building in a historic port, which angry locals once branded "Tellytubbyland", could land an award by the local civic society.
When the apartment development on the Union Mill site in Whitby was being built, the penthouse was criticised as looking like the Tubbytronic Superdome of the cult children's TV show.
However, little over a year later a member of Whitby Civic Society has suggested the now finished building join other iconic sights of Whitby by being awarded one of the society's Certificates of Excellence for its design and quality.
The society say a committee discussion took place on this proposal without reaching a conclusion and it was decided to return to this subject after seeking members' views.
But the developers say mere consideration of the idea underlines how much opinion has been won over – after the initial criticisms that the blue-roofed dome was a "monstrous eyesore".
The project's architect Stuart Duckett added: "It's true that many people were initially quite worried about the prospect of the dome – and rightly so.
"But in fact, the original Union Mill building was a dome-capped windmill that could be seen from miles around, so it wasn't really a radical change.
"Our original intention with Union Mill was to make an iconic design statement and we've certainly achieved that. Whitby has always contained an eclectic mix of architecture.
"We feel that Union Mill both complements and enhances its surroundings. It's probably the most important building project in Whitby for over 100 years."
The developers say a recent launch weekend for the development attracted more 600 people, resulting in the immediate sale of four apartments.
Local resident Mark Winspear added: "The previously 'infamous' dome makes an interesting addition to the variety of rooftops in the town. From St Hilda through to the Railway King George Hudson, Whitby has always enjoyed a history of innovative building and Union Mill has really raised the bar."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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