Just click on the pictures for a larger version. Note: some of these have quite large file sizes
Lower Precinct :
upper - views from precinct bottom showing the Locarno building in various stages - earliest on left
left - view from from bottom showing Woolworths (now Boots)
and north side precinct
The relative dates of these views are uncertain. The left view appears to be the earliest with the shopfitters still working in the circular café. In the upper left hand view, the café is empty but appears to have been completed and the Locarno building is less than half-way up. In the upper centre, the cafe can be seen to be full of customers and the Locarno is completed apart from the link buildings to the future lower precinct north side, which has not yet been started. In the upper right hand view, the north side of the precinct is under construction
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The four views above are from around the city.
| The first left shows the construction of the north west side of West Orchard viewed from the north side of the lower precinct. | The second left shows the circular market roof car park. The lower precinct has been completed but the Jack-Lift car park between it and the market can be seen under construction mid right. | The next view shows a stage in the construction of the Lanchester College buildings on Cox Street with the new Cathedral under construction in the background. | Far right gives a view of the newly completed Belgrade Theatre with the fountain and square still under construction. |
Left : Very early in construction phase from the roof of the Market car park
2nd left : A view of the competed square looking towards the market and market way exit
2nd right : the completed square looking towards the New Union Street exit.
Far right : the problematic fountain mark 2 with flower beds
The square never achieved its potential as a place to dwell and was originally merely a through way from New Union Street to the precincts and market. The fountain went through a number of changes over the years and the introduction of benches did result in some resting places. and a little more "atmosphere." Back to top
