VETERANS who previously fought plans to build on the site of a memorial in honour of fallen heroes say the time is now right for the memorial to have a new place in the heart of Derby.
Derby and Burton Korean Veterans' Association say they are satisfied proposals to move the Sir Peter Hilton Memorial Gardens, in honour of those who died in Korea, to Osnabruck Square will ensure it remains a fitting tribute.
The agreement to the proposals by Derby Cityscape comes despite a lengthy objection three years ago to plans to partially build over the gardens with the Quad building.
The result of that battle was the plans for Quad's location had to be changed.
But now the association said the time is right for the memorial to move.
Chairman of the association Keith Challis said: “I think now Quad is built it seems so big and it looks almost on top of the gardens.
“Moving it to Osnabruck Square isn't far away and it would still be there for all to see.”
The relocation is part of Derby Cityscape's proposals to revamp streets and squares in the city centre.
As well as moving the memorial, an orangery would be created, named in honour of war hero Sir Peter Hilton.
Mr Challis said the memorial could have been put inside the orangery but he said that would not have been as appropriate as moving it round the corner.
“The way we look at it is that all the fellows we lost in Korea, they were fighting in the open, so we feel it is only respectful to keep the memorial to them in the open,” said Mr Challis.
The association previously objected to plans to build on the site of the gardens.
Under original plans for the Quad arts centre, part of the building would have covered the garden.
In 2005, opposition to the scheme from ex-servicemen, and Sir Peter's widow, Lady Hilton, led to the plans being revised and the gardens were protected.
Last year the association was promised the existing memorial would be maintained while they waited for the new plans to come into effect.
Mr Challis said: “These plans are still around three years away but we have had the promise that once Quad is opened, which will be very soon, the gardens will be brought back up to standard and all the coping stones which are damaged by skateboarders will be replaced and the gardens itself is going to have more flowers to keep it in shape for the next three years.”
A spokeswoman for Derby Cityscape said the company had worked along the way with the veterans' association to make sure the plans met with its approval.
She said: “We have been speaking to the association since 2006 about proposals.
“One aspect of moving it to the new location is that the memorial will be in the hustle and bustle of Osnabruck Square so it can be appreciated by more people.
“Ideas are being mooted to stage events in the future that will be specifically targeted at young people to educate them about the memorial and bring the generations together.”
A public exhibition was held yesterday, at Derby's Guildhall, to unveil the plans for the memorial, as well as options for the orangery, and other areas in the city centre.
One option is to have a glass enclosed orangery which would have space inside for eating and kiosks.
The other option is to create a public square and a rectangular building with a glass wall next to the Market Hall for shops or cafes.
Traders, whose kiosks would have to move from their current location under the plans, said it could create more opportunities.
Val Clare, who owns the Bake and Take kiosk, in Osnabruck Sqaure, said she would have to move her stall under the proposals.
“I would lose my current space but there are some really exciting points,” she said.
“For example they are talking about being able to have a unit which opens up in to the orangery, which would be lovely.
“I have a snack bar so having seating in the orangery for customers would be quite exciting.”
Article courtesy of Derby Evening Telegraph