Speeches+-+Matthew+Bradby

It is generally thought that Wards Stores opened in 1901 and the main parade along the High Road dates from that period, with some alterations. In 1909 however the owners did something rather unusual and rebuilt and extended part of the store from the corner with Seven Sisters Road.

The 1909 structure is in a completely different style, much less traditional, using the latest technology of the time. It is steel framed which allowed for the large internal spaces and large plate glass windows to the street which have ever since been widely admired. It has never been substantially altered and remains in excellent condition since the store was closed in the 1970s. The original balustrade lies inside the building.

I think the Community proposal to restore the building is excellent. It preserves the scale and character of the Conservation Area in which the buildings lie. It also gives the buildings an interesting new frontage to the rear.