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.
5. Birmingham Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham city centre
Birmingham Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham city centre | Historic England
6. 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
7. 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
8. Public Baths, Moseley
The baths were opened in 1907 as an addition to the Free Library (1895) forming a group of public buildings. Threat of closure has been averted with the swimming group taking over the swimming operation until 2021. Following the repair of the Gala Pool roof, Historic England is currently providing a substantial grant towards the repair of the Boardroom Roof and Front facade in conjunction with Birmingham City Council and the World Monument Fund which will be completed in August 2022 | Google Street View