How did the motor car impact the development of Portslade?
Part I
The motor car has had a significant and multifaceted impact on the development of Portslade, influencing its urban landscape, economy, and infrastructure in several key ways:
1. Urban Sprawl and Housing Development:
Increased Residential Development: The motor car facilitated outward migration from denser urban centres, enabling people to live further from their workplaces. This likely contributed to the expansion of housing estates in areas like North Portslade and Mile Oak, as residents could commute by car.
Parking Infrastructure: New housing developments consistently grapple with the need for adequate car parking. Planning proposals for flats and housing estates in Portslade frequently highlight concerns and objections related to insufficient parking spaces, increased car journeys, and the strain on existing road infrastructure.1 This indicates that car ownership is a major consideration in modern residential planning.
Transformation of Land Use: Former industrial sites or undeveloped plots have been repurposed for residential use, with the provision of parking often a crucial element of these plans (e.g., Rothbury Mews, a housing development on a former car showroom site).
2. Commercial and Industrial Development:
Growth of Automotive Businesses: Portslade has a notable history with the automotive industry.2 The Tate dynasty, for instance, evolved from a laundry business into a well-known motor business, with their head office established in Portslade in 1929.3. The approval of new car showrooms and service centres (like the proposed Mercedes-Benz and Smart dealership) demonstrates the continued presence and investment of the automotive sector in the area, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy.
Accessibility for Businesses: The motor car made Portslade more accessible for businesses, allowing for the transport of goods and customers. This supported the establishment and growth of various commercial enterprises throughout the 20th century.
3. Transport Infrastructure and Challenges:
Road Network Development: The rise of the motor car necessitated the development and improvement of Portslade's road network. Major roads like Old Shoreham Road became crucial arteries, and new developments often involve changes to existing road layouts or the creation of new access points to accommodate increased traffic.
Traffic Congestion and Pollution: The increased number of car journeys has led to concerns about traffic congestion, increased pollution, and pedestrian safety, particularly around new housing developments. This is a recurring theme in objections to planning applications.
Public Transport Evolution: While not directly a motor car impact, the rise of the car influenced the evolution of public transport. Bus services in Portslade were adapted, with companies like Thomas Tilling and later Brighton, Hove & District Omnibus Company providing motor bus routes, some of which connected Portslade to Brighton and beyond. This demonstrates a shift from horse-drawn transport to motorised public transport in response to changing travel patterns.
Focus on Sustainable Transport: Modern development plans in Portslade, in recognition of the environmental impact of cars, sometimes include provisions for car clubs, bicycle share schemes, and improved pedestrian links, indicating a move towards more sustainable transport solutions alongside continued reliance on private vehicles.
In summary, the motor car has been a powerful catalyst in shaping Portslade. It enabled significant residential expansion, fostered a local automotive industry, and drove the development of its road infrastructure. However, it also brought challenges related to traffic, parking, and environmental concerns, which continue to influence urban planning and development decisions in the area today.
Part II
The motor trade in Portslade, like many areas across the UK, has a fascinating history of evolution, driven by innovation, changing consumer demands, and significant global events. Digging deeper into this, the Tate family stands out as a prime example of how local businesses adapted and prospered in this dynamic sector.
The Tate Family: From Laundry to Motor Empire
The Tate family's journey into the motor trade in Portslade is a remarkable illustration of entrepreneurial foresight and adaptability:
Early Roots (Pre-Motor Era): The Tate family's original businesses were far removed from motor vehicles. In the 18th century, they were involved in timber and blacksmithing. By the mid-1800s, they had become established wheelwrights and master carpenters, producing cart and coach wheels – a crucial skill set that would ironically lay the groundwork for their future in the automotive world. Their presence extended to Portslade by the 1870s, with ventures like running the Clarendon Arms pub and operating as butchers and shopkeepers.1
The Dawn of the Motor Car (Late 1800s - Early 1900s): The pivotal moment came with Alfred Tate, who, in the late 1800s, ran a laundry on the corner of Foredown Drive and Old Shoreham Road. Recognising the inefficiencies of horse-drawn transport, Alfred converted a Daimler in 1896, creating what is considered the first commercial vehicle in Sussex. This demonstrates an early understanding of the motor car's potential for business efficiency. Alfred even participated in the Emancipation Run of 1896 from London to Brighton, showing a pioneering spirit.
Accidental Mechanics and Film Distribution (Early 1900s): Alfred's sons, Albert and Fred, took over the laundry. They diversified into film transportation, using vans to distribute films to cinemas. To maintain their fleet, they built a small shed next to the laundry for repairs. This proved to be a turning point. Word spread that the Tate brothers could fix vehicles, leading to a burgeoning repair business. This "accidental" entry into vehicle maintenance laid the foundation for their dedicated motor enterprise. The 1919 train strike further solidified their film transport business, as they drove a laundry van to London to collect films, which led to other cinema owners seeking their services.2
Formalising the Motor Business (1920s - 1930s): As demand for vehicle repairs and parts grew, the Tate brothers expanded their workshop. In 1929, they acquired a corner site at Southern Cross in Portslade, which became the head office for their rapidly growing motor business.3 This marked a significant shift from their original laundry and film distribution to a dedicated automotive enterprise. Portslade Garages Limited, which trades as 'Tates', was formally incorporated in 1958, solidifying their presence.4
Wartime Adaptation and Post-War Boom (1940s onwards): The Second World War saw the Tate family adapt their operations, focusing on engineering activities for the war effort, including ship salvage. After the war, the demand for cars surged. Albert Tate's son, John, took over the car business, ushering in new changes and continued growth.
Modern Diversification and Continued Presence: The Tate family's business, now known as Tates Motor Group, continues to operate in Portslade. While they have diversified into other areas like garden centres (with the Portslade garage site even being converted into a garden centre in 2007 before being used by another car dealer and then re-establishing its car sales presence), their core motor business remains strong.5 They offer new and used car sales, servicing, MOTs, and finance options, representing various brands.6 Their long history and continued investment (such as the recent approval for a new Mercedes-Benz and Smart dealership in Portslade, which involves significant capital investment and job creation) demonstrate the enduring prosperity and evolution of their motor trade operations in the area.
Part III
Other Notable Motor Trade Businesses and Evolution in Portslade:
While the Tates are a prominent example, the broader motor trade in Portslade has also seen:
Early Garages and Repair Shops: The "roaring twenties" saw a massive demand for motor vehicle infrastructure. This led to the proliferation of repair shops, fuel outlets, showrooms, and parts suppliers. Many local entrepreneurs seized these opportunities.
Specialized Services: The early motor trade wasn't just about general repairs. Specialized facilities for radiators, fuel tanks, rubber vulcanizing, engine reconditioning, and trimming emerged, catering to the specific needs of the nascent automotive industry.
Local Dealerships: Beyond the Tates, other dealerships have come and gone. For example, Vine & Lee Ltd., Motor Dealers operated on Station Road, Portslade, with their extensive premises being removed in 1974. This highlights the dynamic nature of the industry, with businesses adapting, expanding, or making way for new developments.
Used Car Market: The presence of businesses like L&C Group (a family-run used car dealership with two forecourts in central Portslade) indicates a strong and continued market for pre-owned vehicles.7 The recent closure and relocation of Hove Car Spares from Portslade due to high business rates and building needs also shows the ongoing pressures and changes within the sector.
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Local Presence: The formation of the Institute of the Motor Trade (later IMI) in 1920, and the establishment of its Brighton & Mid-Sussex Section in 1926, demonstrates the professionalization and regulation of the motor trade. Local garages and related trades actively participated, discussing industry affairs, technical advancements, and legal matters. This indicates a collaborative effort to raise standards and ensure fair practices.
In conclusion, the motor trade businesses in Portslade have prospered and evolved from humble beginnings – often as offshoots of existing businesses like laundries or blacksmiths – into a diverse and sophisticated industry. The shift from horse-drawn vehicles to motorized transport created immense opportunities for entrepreneurs like the Tates. Their success stemmed from their ability to anticipate demand, adapt their services, and invest in the necessary infrastructure, transforming Portslade into a hub for automotive sales, service, and repairs. The sector continues to evolve, facing challenges like changing business rates and the push for sustainable transport, but its deep roots in Portslade's history ensure its continued significance.
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