Historic England has released its Heritage at Risk Register for 2023.
The register is a summary of the critical health of some of England’s most historic landmarks. Used as a part of the UK Government’s official statistics, the register highlights cultural assets which are at risk through neglect, decay or development which is inappropriate for the area according to Heritage England.
Grade one listed buildings and registered parks and gardens are covered by the register, in addition to scheduled monuments, historic battlefields, protected wreck sites and conservation areas which are considered to be at risk. Grade two listed buildings of religious significance are also included in the register which began in the mid 1980s.
There are 20 Birmingham buildings at risk of being lost this year. They can be found in the city centre and across out of town neighbourhoods and include a former libray, stately home and places of worship.
Charities, owners, local councils, and Historic England have also worked together to see historic places restored, re-used, and brought back to life. These are the 20 Birmingham buildings at risk of being lost in 2023, along with Historic England’s description of the buildings and repairs needed.
5. Birmingham Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham city centre
Built between 1898-99 as the Birmingham Library (a private member’s library) by F. Barry Peacock of architects Cossins, Peacock and Bewlay. Original Entrance hall and staircase have been retained altered interior is accommodating a concert hall, a basement auditorium and an extension in 95 Cornwall St. The roof and rainwater goods are in very poor condition affecting the internal plasterwork with loss of fabric | Google Street View
6. Birmingham Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham city centre
Birmingham Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham city centre | Historic England
7. 303 Icknield Street, Hockley
The domestic brick and terracotta building, with a tiled roof underwent unauthorised work which was halted. The building is currently empty, in very poor condition and suffering on-going rapid deterioration. | Historic England photo
8. Perrott’s Folly, Waterworks Road, Edgbaston
A six storey structure with circular stair tower attached. Adjoining waterworks tower said to be inspiration for Tolkien’s ‘The Two Towers’. Repairs addressing structural issues were completed some years ago and in 2021 a Toilet was added to improve the usability of the space by visitors’ groups. The structure is structurally stable but the roof and the ornate plaster ceiling on the top of the tower and the needs repairing from the considerable damaged caused by rainwater penetration. | Google Street View