Part of the Great Western Railway line, this baggage store was built in the 1920's for passengers arriving & departing at the Great Western Docks, Millbay. The last GWR passenger train ran from the docks in 1963, although it continued to be used by freight trains until 1971. Afterwards it was used by Farley's for storage possibly in the late '70s, early '80s & finally Vospers car showroom until being abandoned & left derelict for years. Deemed an eyesore by many who failed to appreciate it's striking features, notably the curved rear section where trains would once pass through to the docks, this fantastic building is now gone, recently demolished as part of the ongoing regeneration of the Millbay area. This would have made a striking conversion but instead it will probably be replaced with some ghastly looking apartments that have no character.
Image showing the unique curved section
The view from the ferry port road
Loading platform
A different angle
The vehicle loading bay
Cast iron spiral staircase to the offices
Doorway to the offices
Lift controls
Just one of the thousands of old Farley's baby food tins, this batch destined for export to the Far East
The Farley's tins floor!
At the top of the main spiral staircase, roof level
Looking at the spiral staircase exit on the roof
Looking down one of the lift shafts
British Transport lift regulations notice
Lift hydraulics on the roof
Top of the baggage chute
Top of one of the lifts
Photos during the demolition
A section of the baggage chute looks more like a snail, trying to escape the cutter's torch!
Thank goodness you were there to record the before and after of this beautiful building.
ReplyDeleteReally did like the building, shame it has gone now.
DeleteExcellent. I like your recording style. Imaginative photos.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your lovely comment Liz. We just try to portray the site from a different perspective.
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