Two photographs – a before and after. The first was taken in about 1964 and shows a lively St George’s Place with the famous Guinness Clock. The architecture may not be first-rate but the setting has lived long in the memory of many I have talked to. This is where many had their first Chinese meal (at the Empress on the far right of the block). The two hotels – the Washington and Imperial – were landmarks which brightened up the entrance to Lime Street station.
The second photograph, taken about a year later, captures the last moments of a much-loved corner as the building of the new St John’s Market gets underway. It is interesting to see the old Lime Street station approach before its demolition to make way for the recently demolished tower block and shopping arcade. At least there is some ground for optimism – the new station entrance gives, at last, an appropriate setting for St George’s Hall and William Brown Street.
