Historic England has released its Heritage at Risk Register for 2022, with 175 historic buildings and site added. The Register is a summary of the critical health of some of England’s most historic landmarks.
There are 19 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.
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England said: “As the threat of climate change grows, the reuse and sensitive upgrading of historic buildings and places becomes ever more important.
“Finding new uses for buildings and sites rescued from the Register avoids the high carbon emissions associated with demolishing structures and building new.”
In 2021/22, Historic England awarded £8.66 million in repair grants to 185 sites on the Heritage at Risk Register. In addition to this, 15 sites have benefitted from £3.25 million in grants from the heritage at risk strand of the Culture Recovery Fund during 2021/22.
These grants help with emergency repairs to historic buildings and help protect the livelihoods of dedicated people who run and maintain the historically rich places.
These are the 19 Birmingham buildings at risk of being lost in 2022, along with Historic England’s description of the buildings and repairs needed.

1. Highbury Hall, Yew Tree Road, Moseley
Highbury Hall was built in 1879 as the family home of Joseph Chamberlain and designed by local architect JH Chamberlain. It is a large and ornate brick and stone house surrounded by landscaped gardens. The interior of the house is elaborate and uses a variety of different materials. Currently the ground floor is used for events, but the upper two floors are vacant. The Main Hall and Northern Range roofs were repaired in 2020. The Highbury Trust has received Stage 1 for an NLHF grant for repair and redevelopment of the hall. | Google Street View

2. Methodist Central Hall, Corporation Street, Birmingham city centre
. The site was purchased by new owners in early 2022. An application for conversion into several uses has been submitted to Birmingham City Council. Its condition has deteriorated following recent storms. Historic England and the Council are working with the new owners to secure emergency temporary works to halt water ingress whilst the applications are considered. | Google Street View

3. British Rail Goods Office, Curzon Street, Birmingham city centre
Built in 1837-8 in the Ionic style. The building is owned by the City Council and has been vacant for more than a decade. Repairs to the roof have been undertaken, but water ingress is still a problem. Renovation by a partnership including HS2 has permission and the works commenced in 2021. | Google Street View

4. 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