The country’s only functioning Grade ll*-listed swimming pool and an 1884 church built for Swedish mariners are among the 10 most endangered Victorian buildings in Britain, as revealed today by the Victorian Society.
The list was compiled following an appeal to the public for nominations. Last year’s list highlighted the plight of Shadwell Park, now receiving emergency repairs, and the Lanfyllin Union Workhouse in Wales and St Walburge’s Church, Preston, which have received grants. ‘Competition for this year’s top 10 has been much tougher,’ comments Dr Ian Dungavell, director of the Victorian Society. ‘We’ve been f looded with information about fascinating endangered buildings. There’s a long way to go before all our heritage assets receive the protection they deserve, but we hope this is a step in the right direction.’
Top of the list is Stonebridge School in Brent, London. Built in 1898, it is one of the most complete late Victorian Board Schools in the South-east, but has been earmarked for development, an action that would destroy one of the last vestiges of 19th-century heritage in the area.
‘There are many reasons why good buildings become threatened,’ says Dr Dungavell. ‘Often the most difficult to help are those that have been locked up and left to rot. A bit of publicity can make all the difference.’
10 most endanged Victorian buildings
1. Stonebridge School, Brent—the Victorian Society is campaigning for its listing 2. Gustav Adolfs Kyrka, Liverpool—the church of Sweden is withdrawing, leaving the red-brick reinterpretation of a Scandinavian stave church without a use 3. Newsome Mill, Huddersfield—worsted mill sold to a developer in 2006, and since vandalised and decaying 4. Red Lion Public House, Birmingham—empty for a year, despite splendid fittings, and needs a new owner 5. St Maries’ Church, Widnes—the Pugin church was Grade ll listed last year, but is closed and at risk 6. Chapels at Cathays Cemetery, Cardiff (below)—built to accommodate dissenters and members of the Established Church, but derelict and inhabited by bats since closing in 1992. They’ve received a £100,000 grant, but the buildings are in a worse state than realised 7. Mosely Road Baths, Birmingham—the only building to be named in the list twice running 8. Holy Trinity, Hove—unusual 1863 red-brick church, with external pulpit, threatened with demolition 9. Palace Theatre, Plymouth—last used as a theatre in 1981, and now empty 10. Fletcher Convalescent Home, Cromer—built for the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, it was sold for development, but is deteriorating amid red tape
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