Ch Smith Site 16-24 Charles Street Launceston TAS 7250

The C.H.Smith development will be a bonus for the city; however, the destruction of the curved brick façade in the Art Deco building is unwarranted and unnecessary. Skylights etc can be installed on the roof behind the pediment.

This façade is unique in the world. These bricks were originally considered as seconds because in the firing process, terracotta pipes were laid on top of some of the bricks in the kilns to fire, and therefore some came out marked. But the bricklayer gathered them and used them in this stunning example of inter-war art deco. This unique façade has the capacity to draw more visitors to this heritage city as well as being stunningly beautiful.

We can't call ourselves a heritage city if we allow destruction by the butchering of industrial, heritage art.

I sincerely ask councillors in their roles as our representatives to safeguard and protect this façade for future generations. We need to leave it alone.

I agree with the representation made by Mrs Robyn Jones regarding the heritage value of the curved brick facade on Charles Street. The brick sections form a harmonious symmetrical pattern beneath the art deco elements at the top of the facade, and were obviously intended to be an important part of the overall facade design. This design will be severely compromised if the brick sections are not left intact.