The Camellia House in Wollaton Park, a GradeII* listed building, is in a sad state. Society member Dr. E.J. Bassey drew my attention to its current plight and I went over and saw for myself. Boarded up sides, large holes in the roof, and a disintegrating cast iron structure are some of the grand features confronting visitors.
English Heritage paid for repairs several years ago but subsequently no security alarm was installed. Now there appears to be a vicious circle, the Local Authority will not carry out repairs because there is no close circuit television in place, the Local Authority cannot afford the £20,000 to install CCTV!
Meanwhile this potential showpiece of pre-fabrication in cast iron, of 1823, with its cunning collection and distribution of rainwater rots away. In March 1996 the Council's Conservation and Design Section within the Development Department published Listed Buildings A Guide for Owners and Occupiers on the back of "Nottingham has one of the highest number of listed buildings of all English towns and cities." (Approx: 800). "Physician heal thyself!"
Ken Brand
January 2003