Stonehouse compiled area map (part 2)

Picking up on an idea of the aura and soul of the location, Union Street seems to be an ideal choice due to its historical value and modern day state. It was designed by a man called John Foulston, and laid out between 1812 and 1820 as a grand boulevard to connect the three towns of Plymouth, East Stonehoue and Devonport. It was thought of as the home for the rich and famous around the area,

“…the buildings are neat and handsome, and the streets straight and commodious, particularly those of Durnford-street, Emma-place, Edgcumbe-street and Union-street. These are almost entirely occupied by genteel families, chiefly those of naval and military officers, and other persons holding situations under government. The addition of Union-street … is an improvement of the greatest importance … [it] affords a spacious thoroughfare, and presents … a succession of neat and uniform buildings”

“Guidebook to Plymouth” 1823

Union Street was considered one of the most notorious and infamous streets in the south west of England, and was often populated with sailors from around the globe due to its red light districts. Sadly however, the majority of the area was destroyed during WW2 bombings and subsequent events leaving the area in the state it is in now.

About half way along Union Street you will find a dilapidated building named ‘The New Palace Theatre’. The building is grade II listed, and was included on a list by ‘The Victorian Society’ of the UK's ten most endangered and best Victorian and Edwardian buildings, yet its last use was as a nightclub and now just stands there crumbling and broken, a long way from yesteryears grandeur. However this is not a unique example along a road which now has a massive conflict between the old and the new, absolute poverty and aspiration. Union Street now consists of council flats, derelict buildings, late night pubs and shops selling goods which could not be described as essential. The geographic theory describes this as ‘Inequality of space’ - when a geographical area is used by different social groups for a variety of purposes. This may result in conflict increasing the divide between these groups.