Concrete Dreams and Old Town Schemes: The Quest to Find the Ugliest Building in Hemel Hempstead

 

Concrete Dreams and Old Town Schemes: The Quest to Find the Ugliest Building in Hemel Hempstead: A Complete Guide

Hemel Hempstead often finds itself at the heart of a rather fierce national debate. Back in 2013, it earned the notorious title of the "ugliest town" in Britain, thanks to a poll on the Crap Towns Returns website, outpacing familiar contenders like Luton and Slough. That reputation clings to it like gum on a pavement in Marlowes. But is the town genuinely ugly, or is it simply misunderstood? If you ask a local, "Which building do you think is the ugliest in your city?", you’re likely to spark a lively discussion—not just about looks, but also about history, neglect, and the striking differences between the old and the new. 

If you’re planning to visit and form your own opinion, you’ll discover that Hemel is a town of two distinct halves. Getting around these different architectural styles is a lot easier if you know the area. Most visitors coming from London tend to rely on Taxis In Hemel Hempstead to whisk them from the train station straight to the historic Old Town, skipping over the confusing concrete roundabouts that can baffle first-time drivers. Once you arrive, the architectural adventure—whether you love it or hate it—truly kicks off.

The "Winner": The Marlowes Shopping Centre and Civic Core

If you were to ask folks to vote for the ugliest building in Hemel Hempstead, chances are the Marlowes shopping centre and the nearby Civic Centre would snag the top spot. Designed by Clifford Culpin and Partners and opened back in the mid-1960s, this area embodies the "New Town" vision that planners imposed on the historic parish. Critics often describe it as a confusing maze of grey concrete, dull paving, and windswept plazas. The Guardian once painted a pretty bleak picture of the place, using terms like "drabness," "graffiti," and a "hopeless crumbling mess" dominated by "grey tower blocks and roundabouts, even roundabouts within roundabouts." While the Civic Centre serves its purpose, many see it as the poster child for 1960s municipal brutalism, where practicality took precedence over aesthetics. However, as Sam Jordison pointed out in his defense of such structures, the real problem often lies in neglect rather than poor design. Although the 2005 extension of the Riverside improved the shopping experience, many believe it disrupted the visual flow, leaving the older parts of the centre looking worn out and outdated.

A Close Second: The Loss of the "Caterpillar"

Isn't it interesting how sometimes the most unappealing buildings are the ones that end up being torn down? Take the Aldington, Craig and Collinge 'Caterpillar' MLO (Mechanised Letter Office), for instance. This structure was anything but ordinary and sparked quite a bit of debate over the years. While many considered it an eyesore, architectural enthusiasts—especially those from the Twentieth Century Society—were passionate about preserving it, believing it to be a modern design gem that deserved to be saved. 

When demolition kicked off in 2012 without the necessary planning permission, it sent shockwaves through the architectural world. For many, taking down this "very special building" felt like an act of vandalism. Its removal has left a noticeable gap, highlighting the idea that "ugliness" really is subjective. What one person might view as a concrete disaster, another might see as a significant landmark worth protecting.

The Comeback Kid: The Old Town Hall

To truly discover beauty, you need to step away from the New Town grid and explore the charm of the Old Town. At the heart of the High Street stands the Old Town Hall, a remarkable building that reflects the "political, economic, and social aspirations" of its former residents. Constructed in 1851 and designed by George Low in the elegant Jacobean style, this Grade II listed structure boasts red brick, exquisite stone details, and impressive Corinthian columns. It stands in stark contrast to the Civic Centre, which symbolizes a post-war vision, while the Old Town Hall embodies a Victorian era rich with corn markets, wool fairs, and local governance. This building is a reminder that Hemel Hempstead is more than just a New Town; it has a long history, further emphasized by the Grade I listed St. Mary's Church, which has been standing since 1140.

The Verdict

So, what’s the ugliest building in Hemel Hempstead? If we’re talking about sheer "brutalist" disappointment, the Civic Centre and Marlowes complex take the crown without a doubt. It’s a relic from a time when urban planning seemed to favor cars over people, leading to those notorious roundabouts and desolate walkways. 

But to really grasp the contrast in this Hertfordshire town, you’ve got to see both sides. After a day spent pondering the stark concrete of the New Town and the quaint charm of the Old Town, you’ll be ready for a cozy ride back to your place. If you’re booking transport, looking for an Airport Taxi Hemel Hempstead is a smart choice, especially if you need to catch a flight at Luton or Heathrow. It’s a great way to wrap up your architectural adventure without the hassle of navigating the A414.

In the end, Hemel Hempstead isn’t just an eyesore; it’s like a living museum showcasing the triumphs and blunders of 20th-century urban planning alongside Victorian elegance—and that’s what makes it so intriguing.

Also read: Beyond the City Lights: Discovering Small Beautiful Towns and Villages in England