‘Teletubby Land’ building up for civic society accolade

A CONTROVERSIAL residential development once dubbed ‘Teletubby Land’ is up for award.

Union Mill in Whitby attracted strong criticism from residents who objected to a dome on top of the Art Deco influenced new build.

However, the project is now being considered for a Certificate of Excellence by Whitby Civic Society.

The society awards the certificates to those who contruct building in keeping with Whitby’s architecturial heritage.

Moreover, the building, which offers 24 one, two and three high specification bedroomed apartments, attracted more than 600 people to its launch resulting in the immediate sale of four apartments.

The project’s architect Stuart Duckett said: “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, and we feel that Union Mill both complements and enhances its surroundings. It’s probably the most important building project in Whitby for over a hundred years.”

Local resident Mark Winspear said: “Too often these days aesthetics are sacrificed to cost considerations when building renovations take place, but Union Mill’s Art Deco-influenced design has great architectural

“And 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 now Union Mill has really raised the bar.”