Bradley and the Newtown Blues
The development of the new old town around Bradley Square - as seen in our previous visit to the town - was soon matched with work in what would become the new new town, or, quite simply, Newtown.
Newtown is, quite literally, an attempt at establishing a new town centre north east of the old one and east of Prestondale - the leafy suburb where Mrs Ross resides.
The area soon became synonymous with the Newtown Blues - not to be confused with the soccer / football club - for the failed attempt that it was in the end, and the disappointment and sorrow that followed.
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The concept attracted sufficient interest - and investment - but the expansion possibilities soon proved to be limited Prestondale - home to the aforementioned Albatross - was not going to move (or tolerate any further intrusion into its leafy haven).
Newtown was also on the wrong side of the railway tracks. Literally. The railway hemmed it in and limited road access, soon decreasing its foot traffic and attractiveness.
Nonetheless, it became the home of jazz, big band and swing which attracted a diverse crowd to the area at night.
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The Meyer's Park and Pond - a local bird sanctuary east of Newtown - also made expansion possibilities very difficult.
Apart from ornithologists, birdwatchers and amphibian enthusiasts, Meyer's Park was not particularly loved by locals. But, it was forced upon Bradley due to it being the home of an endemic toad species and the similarly endemic heron species that fed on said toads. Thus, to protect and preserve these two icons of Bradley, the pond was declared a protected area.
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In the end Newtown was limited to the area between Newtown Junction - the circle in Prestondale Road, which runs east-west north of Newtown, Meyer's Park, the railway and Prestondale.
Alternative options had to be explored, and they were. But, more about that next time!
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I will reply to your comments as soon as possible, hopefully tomorrow (it is currently 23:18 here in South Africa). Thank you very much for your comments, I really appreciate them all!
Also, thanks for reading and your continued support! Until next time!
M
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