ALBION House, then Barnsley’s newest block of flats, had a most appropriate opening 40 years ago this week.
The new block - the third of three on the development off Sheffield Road - cost £600,000 back in 1977. That figure is the equivalent of about £3.5m today once inflation is taken into account.
The opening ceremony was carried out out by a former resident of Albion Street, Coun Fred Lunn, the then leader of Barnsley Council.
He welcomed the passing of the old streets, but mourned the passing of the community spirit.
And he combined the unveiling of the plaque in the seven-storey building with an appeal for a residents’ association to be formed.
Coun Lunn said: “I remember the old duckets (toilets) in the earth back yards, and seeing electricity being installed and hoping it would be connected to our house.
“But I also remember old Mrs Harper and her stone flag floors which you could eat your dinner off, and the tremendous community spirit which existed in the area.
“Now this magnificent building has been provided, I hope the same spirit will exist, and a residents’ association will be formed to give support, not only to themselves, but to everyone in the area.”
Coun Lunn, who said it was the first time he had been asked to open any council property in 25 years as a councillor, said he was particularly delighted to open this building because of his strong links with the area.
Another ‘native’ present at the opening was Frank Cooper, chairman of the contracting firm, Rozel Construction Ltd, who praised the design of the building and thanked everyone who took part in its construction.
Coun Tom Bell, chairman of the council’s housing committee at the time, described the opening of this third block of ‘medium-rise’ flats off Sheffield Road as another milestone in the council’s history.
The building, which provides 56 one and two-bedroom homes, is similar to Buckley House and Britannia House, and was also designed by the former Barnsley County Borough.
It was fitted with a ‘district heating system’ powered from one central boiler which provided heat and hot water to all homes, meaning there was no need for a boiler in individual flats, and two lifts which serve all seven floors.
At the time the ‘latest’ fire and safety precautions are fitted, including a special road which was covered with grass but could stand the weight of fire engines and other emergency vehicles.
All three buildings still stand today and still pass fire safety standards with flying colours. Following this year’s devastating Grenfell Tower fire disaster, the spotlight fell on all the county’s high and medium-rise tower blocks, and the Sheffield Road blocks were all subjected to tests and checks to make sure they were safe.
From the beginning the flats were in high demand. Barnsley Council said that applications were far in excess of the number of flats available, a fact which the council said ‘emphasises the popularity of homes close to the town centre’.
Back in 1977 weekly rent and rates for a one-bedroom flat was £7.35 and for a two bedroomed flat, £8.14.
Today rents are a little higher - £67.84 for a one bedroom and £76.07 for a two bedroom.
