The Birmingham churches facing an uncertain future according to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register

A number of churches in Birmingham 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.

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.

Which Birmingham churches are at risk?

Eight churches have been placed on the on the 2021 register, they include:

Church of St Nicholas, The Green, Kings Norton

Historic England says the church has several urgent issues, especially because it is built in soft sandstone and the stonework is also poor and the parapet is loose.

The tower also needs improved safer access for repair and maintenance.

Church of St Michael, St Michael’s Road, Handsworth

There are also many issues for this historic church on Soho Hill.

The roof is in poor condition, which is causing rain water to seep through due to dislodged roof tiles, especially on the south west corner, the south aisle roof is also in very poor condition. There are also cracks in the masonry and some of the buttresses; pointing at high level is badly eroded. Glass is also missing from leaded windows.

Historic England says there is an immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric.

Church of St Benedict, Hob Moor Road, Bordesley

The church of St Benedict 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.

Church of St George, Westbourne Crescent, Edgbaston

The roof, rainwater goods and high level stonework were repaired, and a scheme for masonry repairs to the vestry is now being planned, but more high level stonework repairs are still needed on St George’s church.

Church of St Paul, St Paul’s Square, Jewellery Quarter

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 a high level.

Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul, Witton Lane, Aston

St Peter and St Paul’s church is built in soft Hollington sandstone, which is now very poor in places with open joints.

The spire weight and tie also need addressing, as do the rainwater goods throughout. Internally the timber block flooring is subject to rot and insect infestation and needs replacing.

Parish Church of All Saints (formerly St. Aidan), Herbert Road B10, Small Heath

The nave north roof of the church is in poor condition with many slipped tiles. Rainwater goods are also in poor condition.

The building suffers from dampness throughout, walls and columns show the presence of salt efflorescence.

The church has received a grant for the rain water goods repairs to be completed by Autumn 2021.

Edward Road Baptist Church, Edward Road, Balsall Heath

Historic England says that there is evidence of damp at high level at the Edward Road Baptist church.

The roof needs repairs, the gutters need cleaning and the joints to brick and terracotta blocks are badly eroded.

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