Historic Hockley landmarks at risk of ruin

Historic England has identified these heritage buildings in Hockley as facing an uncertain future
303 Icknield Street is on the Historic England At Risk Register303 Icknield Street is on the Historic England At Risk Register
303 Icknield Street is on the Historic England At Risk Register

Two landmark buildings in Hockley have been placed on a ‘heritage at risk’ register, meaning the historic buildings face an uncertain future.

Nearly 5,000 significant buildings have been included in Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register for 2021.

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Over the last year, 233 places were taken off the register but another 130 were added and there are almost 5,000 in total which remain a concern, the body has warned.

The list includes nearly 1,500 buildings, more than 900 places of worship such as churches and 104 parks.

Here are the details of the two historic Hockley buildings at risk

303 Icknield Street, Hockley

Built in 1883, by Victorial architects Martin and Chamberlain, the grade II listed building was the Headmaster’s house attached to Icknield Street School, which was one of the Birmingham Board Schools.

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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.

According to the Historic England the building is owned by multiple owners, including Birmingham City Council.

Icknield Street School is on the Historic England At Risk RegisterIcknield Street School is on the Historic England At Risk Register
Icknield Street School is on the Historic England At Risk Register

Icknield Street School

Large Birmingham Board School designed in 1883 by Martin and Chamberlain, the Victorial architects commissioned to build 41 of the 40-plus Birmingham Board Schools, made necessary by the 1870 Education Act.

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The grade II listed building is partly occupied on the ground floor as a Hindu temple for the purpose of worship and community use; the upper floors are vacant.

The building is in poor condition generally: the steep slate roofs and valley gutters leak to the spaces below and the rainwater goods are in poor condition resulting in rainwater entry affecting both roof and walls.

Negotiations between the owners, the Council, and the tenants are on-going and essential surveys have taken place.

Martin and Chamberlain also built St Nicolas’ Church, in Lower Tower Street, Hockley as well as designing police stations, public baths and waterworks across Birmingham.

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