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21
Nov 2021
Malcolm Neesam History: The Sun Pavilion and Colonnade, Valley Gardens
This festive history is written for The Stray Ferret by celebrated Harrogate historian, Malcolm Neesam.
The Council’s recent statement that they are to improve conditions at the Valley Gardens Sun Pavilion and its associated buildings, is welcome news.
Following the magnificent achievement of having saved the Sun Pavilion from demolition in the 1990’s, the Friends of Valley Gardens, with the full co-operation of the Council, enjoyed the sight of the re-furbished building being opened by the Queen in 1998. At that time, Council Leader, George Crowther, assured the Friends that they could rely on the Council to look after the Sun Pavilion, and to finish the job by restoring the Sun Colonnade and two Sun Parlours.
Unfortunately, these were ideals that later administrations were unable to achieve, apart from removing the glass roof of the colonnade, and also the windows and doors of the two Sun Parlours – the net result being that these structures were exposed to the weather, with deterioration setting in.
The Sun Colonnade and Pavilions, 1936
As walking and exercise were long recognised an essential part of the Harrogate “cure”, along with an understanding that weather conditions often discouraged visitors from walking very far, many Harrogate buildings incorporated glazed spaces where people could walk and be protected from the rain, cold and wind, which sometimes makes outdoor walking a trial. The encircling “ambulatories” at the Royal Hall, the Royal Bath’s Wintergardens, and the Wintergardens at the Old Swan are all examples of this trend. Consequently, when the Sun Pavilion was planned for Valley Gardens, a long covered walk was added to link the new Sun Pavilion with the Royal Pump Room to the east, and the Royal Bath Hospital to the north. After the new buildings were opened in 1933, they soon became a highly popular attraction.
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Night time illuminations, 1938Recent news that improvements are to be made are indeed welcome, as they open up exciting possibilities for the future. With a rain-proofed roof, the Sun Colonnade would be a good location for special fairs and markets such as the Art Market or Christmas Market, without damaging the grass or flower beds of Valley Gardens. Perhaps Harrogate International Festivals, or other local Festivals, could find the refurbished locality ideal for their needs.
The two Sun Parlours are more problematic, but surely - at this location - offer potential for private sector involvement, such as for hire by a children’s creche, a flower and seed shop for the Royal Horticultural Gardens, a venue for youth interest, etc. etc. To make the area safer by night, it would be good if the dud lights along the Elgar walk could be replaced, for unless I am wrong, this path seems completely blacked out at night.
As to the immediate future, I suggest that what Harrogate needs to steer it successfully through the next few years is strong leadership, with a bold vision allied to good business sense. This is desperately needed, and it may well be that the future use of these Valley Gardens buildings will be as good a test of resolve and ability as any.
Malcolm Neesam.
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