Nottinghamshire: Historic England has today (Thursday 14 November 2024) revealed its Heritage at Risk Register 2024.
The Register gives an annual snapshot of the health of England’s valued historic buildings and places. It helps to ensure they can be protected and continue to be enjoyed in the future.
Heritage brings local communities together, inspires creativity and boosts economic growth. The latest research* shows that the heritage sector in the East Midlands region contributes £3 billion to the economy and employs 46,000 people annually (2022). In 2023, heritage tourism generated £1.3 billion in spend in the East Midlands and 18 million day visits were made to historic sites in the region.
Historic England works closely with partners and communities across the country to breathe new life into the places that need it most. This year alone,13 sites have been rescued and their futures secured in the East Midlands.
Historic England awarded £800,870 in grants for repairs to 15 sites in the East Midlands during 2023/2024.
Many buildings and sites have been rescued with the help and commitment of local people, communities, charities, owners and funders, including The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
There are also buildings and places which need help. Over the past year, 21 historic buildings and sites have been added to the Register in the East Midlands because they are at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.
In total, there are 470 entries on the Heritage at Risk Register in the East Midlands in 2024 – eight more than in 2023.
Historic England Regional Director for the Midlands Louise Brennan said:
“Heritage is so important to the East Midlands. From our historic cities and towns, to treasured parish churches, windmills, and archaeological monuments, the heritage and character of these places plays a vital role in our society and boosts the regional economy. This year, we have seen partners and communities come together to help save the historic buildings and places that need it the most. Together, we can save our places and find new ways to enjoy the heritage that people value so much.”
Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “The UK has an abundance of heritage sites across the country that attract tourists and provide jobs in local communities. Many of these are in desperate need of support.
“The Heritage at Risk Register plays a vital role in our ongoing mission to protect and preserve our rich heritage across the country. Many beloved sites have been removed from the list this year and I hope that more will be saved thanks to their inclusion this year.”
AT RISK: THE OLD SHIP INN, 134 BRIDGE STREET, WORKSOP, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE S80 1HS (GRADE II* LISTED)
The Old Ship Inn is a prominent grade II* late 16th century inn with some unusual interior features including a spiral oak staircase and decorative plasterwork. The plan of the original building was restored in 1938 and it is timber framed, rendered, with pantile roofs and garrets.
The Old Ship Inn, Worksop, Nottinghamshire.
Late C16 timber framed inn.
Main elevation with two gabled bays, casement windows and garrets above.
View from east.
The building has been vacant for some time and requires urgent structural timber frame repairs. While it continues to remain unoccupied, The Old Ship Inn is deteriorating and vulnerable. All avenues are being explored to achieve a positive outcome but there is some uncertainty about the time frame for the repairs.
SAVED: CANAL CONSERVATION AREA, NOTTINGHAM CITY CENTRE
Removed from the Register due to repairs and improvements to historic buildings, including historic shopfronts, and works to make public spaces more enjoyable.
The Canal Conservation Area is a key gateway to Nottingham City Centre and focuses on the Nottingham canal, its wharves, and the surrounding development. Historic buildings within the conservation area include 19th and 20th century industrial, commercial and residential buildings.
The Canal Conservation Area’s removal from the Heritage at Risk Register this year is the result of significant improvements to the area, achieved by partnership working between Nottingham City Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England.
In particular, the Carrington Street Area Townscape Heritage Scheme has provided major improvements to the main route from the railway station to the city centre. The scheme has funded repairs and improvements to several historic buildings, including the reinstatement of historic shopfronts. Along with works to public spaces and improved traffic management, this has created a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Among the 21 sites added to the Heritage at Risk Register 2024 this year are Waltham Windmill in Lincolnshire where the sails are already undergoing repairs; Rothwell Market House in Northamptonshire with family links to the Gunpowder Plot; the grand staircase locally known as the ‘Rialto Bridge’ at the Corn Exchange in Leicestershire; medieval Hussey Tower damaged by vandalism and ‘21 and 22 Steep Hill’ which is vacant and deteriorating – both sites are also in Lincolnshire
HEADLINE STATISTICS IN THE EAST MIDLANDS
The Heritage at Risk Register 2024 reveals that in the East Midlands:
- 142 Buildings or Structures
- 162 Places of Worship
- 6 Parks and Gardens
- 0 Battlefields
- 0 Wreck Sites
- 75 Conservation Areas
- 85 Archaeological Sites
.. are at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate change
In total there are 470 entries across the East Midlands on the 2024 Heritage at Risk Register
If a local historic site is added to the Register, how can the public help?
- Historic England has dedicated toolkits on its website for Heritage at Risk and Caring for Heritage and provides expert advice to owners, local authorities and communities.
- Historic England works creatively with owners and communities to deliver new visions for how these historic places can be used again and can provide grant aid.
- Historic England supports communities to come together, connecting interested parties to raise awareness and additional funds.
