Beauty is not skin deep

Paul Corscadden spoke out after most readers named New Town House as the edifice they loved to hate.

The building was described as a monstrosity' and terrible' by readers after we asked for comments to coincide with national architecture week.

But the 55-year-old said: "It may look dated and poor on the eye to some, but it offers a great deal to Warrington in the form of quality town centre accommodation and support to local and national businesses."

Mr Corscadded, a tenant and landlord for 31 years, has respect for the concrete 1960s giant of Dial Street.

The Golborne resident said: "It can be a beast of a building, but it offers employment to landscape gardeners, security, cleaning, craftsmen and more who all support our tenants, not forgeting that our tenants spend many a penny shopping in the town centre.

"Potential tenants don't react to the outside of the building. It's in a prime location with parking. They are more concerned with the facilities available."

He said New Town House was ready for occupancy by early 1976 after labour strikes including an 18-month electricians strike.

The original owners were Norwich Union and the two original tenants Noth West Water, and Warrington and Runcorn New Town Development Corporation, said Mr Corscadden.

At its peak between the late 1970s and late 1980s, the building provided accommodation for more than 1,650 people. Today it is around half full though with some sleeping tenants'.

Mr Corscadden added: "The old saying beauty isn't just skin deep' can apply to buildings as well as people can't it?

"And readers with mobile phones should note their God' in the form of satellite equipment on the roof!"