WHISPERING SMITH: Flint finish is a fitting way to preserve this historic site

It’s locally referred as The Rusty Bucket, a sobriquet coined, I believe, by an acquaintance of mine, and usually delivered in a tone that is either friendly or dark, depending on the individual’s point of view.

I am ambivalent about the steel building, as I have no love for and little understanding of modern architecture, with my likes and dislikes firmly rooted in the past. It is a functional and pleasant place for an evening meal, afternoon coffee or somewhere on a sunny day to buy a real dairy ice cream.

I have grown quite fond of the Long Bench, though, and find many of the dedications and floral tributes strangely moving. The shelters, a misnomer, if ever there was one, are something else and although I have no fond memories of the old shelters, littered with their disgusting detritus and pervading stench of urine, it would be nice to have a wall to hide behind on a wet and windy winter’s day.

Last week I extended my daily walk along the Prom and the river to beyond the lifeboat station and on to the footbridge, in order to take in Ms Wood’s latest project, the conversion into dwellings of the old Duke and Ockenden buildings which, until very recently, were home to a successful automotive repair shop – now in smaller premises next door.

I was very pleasantly surprised. The old flint building, which looked at one time as if it was about collapse into the river – and I suspect some wished it had – is well on the way to completion. All of the main flint facades are still in place or carefully renovated with flint-encased blocks which, when pointed, are almost indiscernible from the original.

Even the wrought-iron window frames have been restored and the building will retain an Ockenden identification stone. Great to see such a respectful and worthwhile undertaking. When completed, and situated, as it is, with the attractive Arun View and the newly renovated Steam Packet close by, this will indeed be a handsome little corner of LA.

Pity about the proposals for the West Bank though, its superstore, retirement homes, marina, casino and giant Ferris wheel… I’m only kidding, right?