Windrush Square - formerly Brixton Oval and Tate Gardens, central Brixton, Brixton, Sunday 28th Feb 2010 (original) (raw)
Brixton Windrush Square (aka Windswept Square)
We revisit the square, the day after opening
(Sunday 28th Feb 2010, photos by urban75)
We visited the opening celebrations for the redeveloped Square, and decided to grab a few more photos to see how it looked the day after.
Rarely has a public space needed the sun more: with no flowers, grass or shrubbery to add colour, it forms a windswept prospect in the dull grey of a February afternoon.
That chunk of knackered stone dumped on the steps is just about the only reminder of Brixton's once-famous Theatre, with ne'er a hint of the area's once-proud theatrical tradition being reflected in the square's development.
Opened in September 1896, the Brixton Theatre and Opera House faced the square and put on productions to rival London's West End, with popular Christmas Pantomimes every year.
The southern part of the park is far better - at least there's some greenery, although most of the nailed-down chairs all face the road, which seems rather strange.
The rather odd-looking metal 'windrushes,' which some unkind souls have suggested look more like mobile phone masts.
The fountain. Turned off already.
The old toilets have been given a welcome lick of paint, but remain resolutely closed.
No kids playing on the 'granite worm.'
This May 2010 photo shows the fountain in all its grim glory. It's not really working is it?
A rather deserted Windrush Square at 3pm on a sunny Sunday afternoon [4th July 2010]