A TOP architect’s idea to uproot a seafront heritage line has met fierce opposition.
Nick Lomax was in The Argus yesterday with his proposal to move the Volk's Railway - the oldest working electric railway in the world - to enable the regeneration of Brighton's seafront.
The 61-year-old, who runs LCE Architects, said: “From an urban planning point of view Volk’s Railway makes no sense.
“It does nothing for that part of the beach. I would prefer to see it relocated.”
A spokesman for the Volk’s Electric Railway Association hit back at Lomax's comments, adding: “If you put it anywhere else it would just be a funfair ride. It’s a historic monument.”
Adrian Andrews, a self-styled paranormal investigator and Kemp Town ghost walker, knows Volk’s well.
He said: “Volk’s Railway is not just a national treasure but an international one. To move it to anywhere else is a terrible insult.
“Can you imagine a plaque sunk into the ground that states ‘This was the original site of the Volk’s Electric Railway’? The very thought sends chills down my spine.
“Brighton is not a blank canvass for architects - it is a well-established city full of beautiful and diverse architecture that should be complemented with future works.”
Liz Williams, 50, who lived for many years in Bedford Street, Brighton, up until 2005, added: “I think Volk's is a quirky and unique element of the seafront and, as a walker, I barely noticed the rail itself - there are plenty of crossing places. I don't think it's a barrier.
“I'd be very sorry indeed to see it moved. I know people who make going on the railway an annual event, especially if they've got kids.”
Others chipped took to social media to make their feelings known.
Alex Conkleton said: “It should be an integrated feature of any redevelopment.”
Elizabeth Rickett added: “The railway is lovely and unique. The problem is the crumbling arches that should be the focus.”
Graham Hale said: “It is a bit bleak and barren along that end of the seafront but removing the Volk’s Railway would achieve nothing.
“There is plenty of seafront for visitors from the Palace Pier to Hove.
"Some new fencing and safer crossings might help but really the Volks fills a void. There are far more positive things that need doing down in that area.”
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