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.
13. Church of St Benedict, Hob Moor Road, Bordesley
The church is in poor condition: the high-level brickwork, due to leaking parapets gutters, has open joints and damp patches. The stonework is also badly eroded throughout. The ashfelted dome and barrel roofs have also come to the end of their life | Google Street View
14. Church of St Michael, St Michael’s Road, Handsworth Wood
Nave roof is in poor condition causing rain water entry due to dislodged roof tiles especially on the s/w corner, the south aisle roof is in very poor condition. There is rain staining internally at junction between Lady Chapel and a turret. Rain water goods in poor condition throughout. There are cracks in the masonry and some of the buttresses; pointing at high level is badly eroded. | Google Street View
15. Church of St Paul, St Paul’s Square, Jewellery Quarter
The church sits on the corner of the then Newhall estate and was given by Charles Colmore. ‘Bilston Rag’ stone with rusticated quoins and Gibbs-style surrounds. The interior is classical. The church is suffering from severe issues from leaking parapet gutters and rain water entry which has damaged the interior plasterwork. The condition of the rainwater goods is also poor; there is shaling stonework and vegetation at high level | Google Street View
16. Church of St Nicholas, The Green, Kings Norton
The Church has several urgent issues especially because it is built in soft sandstone and the stonework. Repairs to the tower's stonework has been completed. | Google Street View