56 replies to this topic

[mab01uk]

I notice there is a road named "Alec Issigonis Way" in the Oxford Business Park on the former site of the Morris Motors factory in Cowley, Oxford OX4 and opposite the Oxford MINI Plant. Next time I am in the local area is there a good place to park and take a picture of a Mini close to the street sign?
I can't see any obvious street signs anywhere in the road when after a quick look on Google maps/earth, so does anybody local to Oxford know if there are actually any or perhaps Mini enthusiasts keep stealing them as souvenirs! (.........as happens in Penny Lane, Liverpool and Abbey Road, London)
Map Link:
http://maps.google.c...i...sa=N&tab=wl

[project mini chris]

That's 2 roads away from my old primary school haha! Never never realised that! the roundabout on garsington road has the old morris motors memorial statue with a plaque and morris bagde on

Edited by project mini chris, 10 July 2011 - 10:25 PM.

[minidream94]

Its the site of the old royal mail depot, i havent been down there personally to check out any potential sites for piccies, but i could drop round some time and scout it out :L also ChrisG10 on here lives about 5 seconds away from it, ill draw his attention to it

[jamesmpi]

If I get chance I'll have a look tomorrow. I work at plant Oxford

[Tanya]

Well, I finally got down there today with a Mini. Alec Issigonis Way does not have a street name, I don’t think it ever has. If I get time I will contact the Council and ask them why. Here is a picture of Tommy in Alec Issigonis Way with Cowley (MINI Plant Oxford) in the background behind the trees.

Attached Files

•  IMG_1377.JPG   2.98MB   135 downloads

[mab01uk]

Thanks for looking Tanya..............it seems very strange to name a new road on/near the old Morris Cowley factory after such a famous person as Alec Issigonis and then not put up any signs to say so, would be interesting to know exactly why from the local Council.

[Tanya]

Well, I reported the absense of the street name sign to Oxford City Council yesterday via their website and this was their automated reply. This report will be investigated within one working day and, if appropriate, actioned within 5 working days. I don’t think the road opposite ‘Garsington Road’ has a street sign either.

I haven’t heard anything yet, so at some point I will try and find a phone number and ask. Failing that, I will contact the City Councillor for that ward and ask them to investigate. I have told the City Council that I am sure that local minis would love to be involved in the sign’s unveiling when it arrives. I'm sure Morris Minor people would like to be involved too and I need to contact the Morris Minor Owners Club this week on a different matter, so I will ask them then.

I’ll keep you posted as to how I get on.

[maggies_minder]

my grandad worked with Alec a few times, during Alecs latter years,
hes also done machine for sterling moss.

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

I think its the same reason Abbey Road has no road sign... because it's a Mecca for Beatles fans... prone to either theft or graffiti.

[Tanya]

I think its the same reason Abbey Road has no road sign... because it's a Mecca for Beatles fans... prone to either theft or graffiti.

I would like to share your optimism that the City Council have not put a street name sign up as they are concerned that it maybe pinched or graffitied. However, I think it is more likely that they have never quite got round to it. Also, the (if I may say) incredibly unimaginatively named ‘Garsington Road’ opposite Alec Issigonis Way also does not have a street name sign – I can’t believe anyone would want to nick or graffiti that!

Apparently road naming is a very contentious issue according to the Austin and Longbridge Federation. We discussed road naming at ALF's recent AGM as a considerable number of new road names are going to be needed for the redevelopment of the Longbridge site. ALF were asked to put suggestions forward which had connections to the factory which they did with many rejected for one reason or another. However, apparently mini limited editions fared well, so watch out for Rose Road, Sky Drive, Designer Way etc!

[paul_s]

That's a shame to hear. I work on the site of the old deHavilland airfield and all the roads on the business park are named after the planes, like Gypsy Moth Avenue, Comet Way, etc.

It would be a an equally fitting tribute to the Mini if the roads at Longbridge were things like Issigonis Way, Hopkirk Close and so on!

[MRA]

maybe they didn't want 20,000 tourists flocking along with camera in hand and Mini.... well Mini

[Tanya]

Ok - so the City Council have been in touch (well, left a voicemail, so I have left another one back!)

As the road is on a private development, it is up to the owners/developers on the Business Park to install road name signs. It would then be a City Council responsibility to maintain them.

I have asked the City Council to let me know who I would need to contact on the Business Park with regards to the installing the road name sign. My guess (but I will ask when I hear back) is that the road name sign will need planning permission, which is back to the City Council!

My feeling is that we will probably get the road name sign, but it is going to be one of those long, tedious exercises! Firstly, I need to persuade the owners/developers to put one in and then the City Council to agree to allow it and maintain it.

I will continue with this (as and when I get the time) and keep you posted of any developments.

[puggered]

Good result Tanya! fingers crossed the sign will go up soon

[badlyspeltbouy]

Nice one Tanya! Someone there must of wanted to name it for historical purposes, then maybe they were put off by the paper trail. Not the Alec Issigonis Way! Think I have a contact at harley davidson which is in the same region, will facebook her and see if she can shed any light.