Historic TGWU Signage Denied Preservation Status

Unique TGWU lettering on a Southampton Street building in Reading has been put forward for local listing, but the councils conservation officer has recommended it should not be protected.

Southampton Street is a busy, one-way route into the town centre, used by drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and bus passengers.

The TGWU sign sits on the side of a three-storey brick building near the Crown Street junction and has been visible for more than 30 years.

TGWU stands for the Transport and General Workers' Union, once one of the worlds largest trade unions. The union had offices in Kings Road from 1954 before moving to Southampton Street in 1989/1990.

Arguing for the listing, the nominator stated: "In 1989, TGWU moved from premises on Kings to new premises on the ground and first floors of 89 Southampton Street.

"The opening and unveiling of a plaque took place in February 1990 by Ron Todd general secretary 1985-1992, and Mayor, Councillor Maureen Lockey.

"At some point, the TGWU lettering on the front was replaced by a T & G sign and a T&G sign added to the side of the building.

"In 2007, the TGWU merged with Amicus to form Unite.

"The T&G sign on the front of the building was removed sometime between September 2012 and July 2014, but the larger sign on the side and TGWU lettering remains and is worthy of protection in situ as a record of Reading's trade union history."

The nomination has been assessed by Burcu Can Cetin, the councils conservation officer, who argued the letters should not be listed. She said: "Although the signage provides evidence of TGWU's
presence in Reading, its relationship to the physical, social, and architectural aspects of Reading's historic environment is limited."

She also noted the signage is a straightforward reproduction of the unions nationwide branding and pointed to similar examples in Bristol and London, including a Bristol building showing three apparently nude men holding a torch.

Councillors on the planning applications committee will decide on the nomination on Wednesday, October 7.

After the union vacated, the building was converted into Ibex House serviced apartments, made up of six self-contained flats.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter