Announcements
SAVE is seeking a new conservation officer
We have a fantastic opportunity for you to become our Conservation Officer. This is a key role in the SAVE team. You will co-ordinate our responses to major planning applications affecting historic buildings or places, and act as a primary point of advice for casework in the office. You will liaise with a wide range of people from members of the public and community groups to decision makers on all levels from local authorities and amenity societies to national organisations and government.
SAVE is hiring! We are looking for a Senior Conservation Officer
We now have a fantastic opportunity for you to become our Senior Conservation Officer. This is a key role in the SAVE team. You will co-ordinate our responses to major planning applications affecting historic buildings or places, and act as a primary point of advice for casework in the office. You will liaise with a wide range of people from members of the public and community groups to decision makers on all levels from local authorities and amenity societies to national organisations and government.
PRESS RELEASE: Show us your plans for Ayr Station Hotel, South Ayrshire Council!
Local and national heritage organisations call on South Ayrshire Council to publish its plans for the remaining North Wing and tower of Ayr Station Hotel amid growing concerns over the scale of demolition and the decision-making process
SAVE in the news - November 2023
SAVE’s work on Ayr Station Hotel continues to make headlines across Scotland, with some great coverage in the Scotsman, the Herald and the Daily Record. The joint public meeting on Liverpool Street Station hosted by Griff Rhys Jones made it into the Evening Standard, with excellent commentary from Rowan Moore in the Observer.
PRESS RELEASE: SAVE backs plan for new City of London heritage zone – and urges boundary expansion to include Aldgate Underground Station
SAVE Britain’s Heritage has today submitted a detailed report supporting plans by the City of London Corporation to designate a new Conservation Area between Creechurch, Leadenhall and Aldgate in the east of The City
PRESS RELEASE: SAVE calls for urgent building survey following fire at Ayr Station Hotel
SAVE Britain's Heritage is shocked and saddened that a major fire took hold of Ayr Station hotel yesterday, the second fire to hit the historic building in just four months. SAVE calls for urgent survey of the building to understand structural condition post fire
Reuse Me, Don't Lose Me - 2023 Launch of Buildings at Risk with guest speakers
Join us to mark the launch of more than 60 new additions to our Buildings at Risk Register. Hear from our Buildings at Risk Officer with highlights from the new entries and three guest speakers who have nominated buildings this year about why their building matters and what they hope can be done to bring them back into use.
Building of the Month March 2023: Eccleston Park Golf Club, Rainhill Road, St Helens, The Wirral, L35 4PG
This unlisted Victorian farmhouse is one of the only buildings which survive from the Rainhill County Asylum. It found a second life as a golf clubhouse but now it is standing empty as the future of the wider site remains undecided.
New Entry: Jacob's Wells Baths, Jacob's Wells Road, Bristol, BS8 1DX
New entry February 2023: These splendid Victorian baths which were built to serve the surrounding streets of working class houses are likely to be disposed of by the Council to raise funds. Currently disused and in a deteriorating condition, a local community group is keen to take it on to serve as a much-needed community hub.
Building of the Month February 2023: 1 High Street, Weobley, Herefordshire HR4 8SL
In the picturesque Herefordshire village of Weobley, on the High Street lined with timbered buildings, this crumbling cottage stands out as a result of its neglected state. It needs some love and attention to repair it and bring it back to life.
SAVE ADDS CARLISLE’S TURKISH BATHS TO AT RISK REGISTER DUE TO URGENT RISK
SAVE has placed Carlisle’s Turkish Baths on its Buildings at Risk Register and written to the Leader of Carlisle City Council to request urgent action to secure the future of this grade II listed building and its beautifully detailed, unusually intact and rare interiors.
Building of the Month November 2022: Huyton Cricket and Bowling Club Pavilion, Huyton Lane, Knowsley, Liverpool L36 7XD
A remarkable monument to grassroots sport and a beautiful building in itself, grade II listed Huyton Cricket and Bowling Club Pavilion has escaped demolition so far due to strong local support. It needs a coordinated scheme to bring it back into meaningful use.
PRESS RELEASE: SAVE announces expert team for M&S public inquiry
Campaigning charity gears up for ‘David and Goliath battle’ against retail giant
SAVE Britain’s Heritage is today announcing the expert team that will help fight a public inquiry into plans to demolish M&S’s flagship store on Oxford Street.
BaR News Round-up - October 2022
Our update of entries in Wales has produced a huge range of fresh information, with a number of promising projects in train, news of a huge and historic site for sale and several other buildings looking for new owners and new uses. In this article, we highlight some of these new stories.
We have also added a new entry in Wales, the fascinating and once lovely, Pencerrig in Powys, which you can read more about here.
Re-scheduled: George Mayer-Marton’s ‘Oldham Mural’ in Context Tour
Re-scheduled date: SAVE Britain’s Heritage and Twentieth Century Society and George Mayer-Marton’s ‘Oldham Mural’ in Context Tour.
A tour led by Howard Smith with experts Dr Judith LeGrove and Henrietta Billings, to see the 1955 ‘Oldham Mural’, at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Oldham. We will also visit two further churches on post-war estates in Greater Manchester to reveal unexpected masterpieces.
BaR News Round-Up - September 2022
Bringing our review of entries on the Buildings at Risk Register in England to a close for this year, we have been updating entries in the North East and South East during August. Here we highlight a few stories of interest including some buildings for sale, but entries can be read in full by logging in to the register. In September, we will be moving on to review the 143 entries in Wales.
Building of the Month August 2022: Studley Grange Farmhouse, Cancourt, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN4 9QS
Amongst our new entries for 2022, this Grade II listed farmhouse is currently recorded as being 18th century at the earliest, however it is now believed to be much earlier in date. It is in desperate need of repair and needs new ideas to restore it back to its former glory.
PRESS RELEASE: SAVE unveils new conservation-led vision for Anglia Square
SAVE Britain’s Heritage is today publishing exciting alternative proposals for Anglia Square in Norwich, designed to show how a conservation-led scheme could reverse the damage of the 1960s and create an attractive and vibrant neighbourhood in the medieval heart of the city.
SAVE in the news - June 2022
It’s been a busy month. The Buildings at Risk launch generated headlines from Northumberland to Cornwall, while SAVE’s director Henrietta Billings was quoted in a major Guardian piece on the M&S call-in, a story that was covered by most major news outlets. Norris Castle, the remains of St Olave’s in Norwich and other casework also generated headlines.
PRESS RELEASE: Secretary of state throws out controversial hotel plans for Thames historic landmark
The Planning Inspectorate has rejected highly contested plans to convert and extend London’s Custom House and quayside into a luxury hotel complex. The decision follows a three year campaign led by the Georgian Group and SAVE Britain’s Heritage culminating in a public inquiry in February 2022.
Building of the Month July 2022: The Lady in Grey, Wilne Lane, Shardlow, Derbyshire DE72 2HA
Among our new entries for June 2022, this romantically named house was most recently a restaurant and hotel but has now been empty for at least five years. It needs new impetus and new ideas to bring it back into useful life.
SAVE Me, I'm Yours! 2022 Launch of new Buildings at Risk and Guest Speaker
You are warmly invited to join us for our first gathering for two years to take a sneak peek at over 50 new additions to our online Buildings at Risk Register. Liz Fuller, our Buildings at Risk Officer, will preview some of the most interesting new entries and guest speaker Dr Joanne O'Hara, Programme Director - Heritage at Risk at Somerset West and Taunton Council, will talk about the challenges of buildings at risk and what can be done to bring them back into use.
LISTING SUCCESS: National recognition and protection for historic Rochdale weavers’ cottages
Three 18th century weavers’ cottages in Middleton near Rochdale have been listed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, following an emergency listing application by SAVE Britain’s Heritage.
BaR News Round-up June 2022
Updating the 100 or so entries in Yorkshire during May has revealed some positive progress on some larger projects which we report on here. We have noted however that smaller projects, even where planning approval has been obtained, appear to be taking longer to get started.
PRESS RELEASE: Medieval church remains under threat at Anglia Square – SAVE backs calls for listing
Local conservation experts have uncovered the possible remains of the medieval parish church of St Olave’s amongst a complex of flint warehouses in Anglia Square, Norwich. SAVE Britain’s Heritage is supporting a listing application in light of the special significance of the site.
EVENT: A Total Artwork: Important new perspectives on the threatened Oldham Mural
George Mayer-Marton’s ‘dazzling’ Oldham Mural is at risk – just as its significance is being better understood. Join us for this special online event organised by SAVE Britain’s Heritage and the Twentieth Century Society.
PRESS RELEASE: SAVE report sheds light on crisis facing Britain’s beautiful department stores + urges imaginative reuse of ‘cathedrals of commerce'
Britain’s department stores are facing an existential crisis thanks to the pandemic and rapidly changing shopping patterns.
This new and up-to-the-minute report from SAVE Britain’s Heritage documents some of the country’s finest examples, the threats they face – and what can be done to rescue and reinvent them for the 21st century.
PRESS RELEASE: Future of palatial Thames landmark in the balance as public inquiry opens
The public inquiry into highly controversial plans to convert and extend London’s Custom House has opened in the City of London. The inquiry is examining a series of issues arising from proposals to convert the 19th century landmark on the banks of the Thames into a 200-room hotel.
Building of the Month February 2022: Hillcrest School and former stables, Ansford Hill, Ansford, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7JQ
Homework due now to save this former rectory and stables, latterly used as a school. Empty and on our radar for years, these rural buildings just outside the Somerset town of Castle Cary remain inexplicably uncared for and without viable proposals to bring them back to life.
PRESS RELEASE: New report blasts bulldoze and rebuild plan for M&S Oxford Street HQ
A new report published today calls on Marks and Spencer (M&S) to re-think its demolition plan for the landmark Oxford Street store and warns Westminster City Council it won’t meet its stated climate change commitments unless it immediately changes course.
SAVE Britain’s Heritage Internships 2022 – application process NOW OPEN
Do you care deeply for our national historic buildings? Do you to want to speak up for threatened buildings and work at the forefront of heritage conservation? Are you new to the heritage sector and looking for your first paid job in this sector? Apply now for one of our six-month paid internships.
PRESS RELEASE: Quintessential rural station saved following legal challenge
Legal action by SAVE Britain’s Heritage has secured a reprieve for one of the smallest and most delightful country stations on the railway network. This is Salhouse, north of Norwich on the line up to the fashionable seaside resorts of Cromer and Sheringham.
Building of the Month December 2021: 27 Queen Street, Derby, Derbyshire DE1 3DS
Will time run out for this house turned clock workshop with stellar connections? With links to the first Astronomer Royal, Joseph Wright of Derby and the clock of St Paul's Cathedral, this 17th century building has survived a number of traumas including permission to demolish it. It needs a new use if it is to survive any longer.
PRESS RELEASE: Councillors throw out controversial South Kensington station plans
Despite being tipped for approval, Kensington and Chelsea’s Major Development Planning Committee has unanimously rejected proposals for a large-scale development at the heart of historic South Kensington. The decision spells victory in a near three-year battle led by local residents and SAVE Britain’s Heritage.
PRESS RELEASE: Emphatic refusal of Custom House hotel plans sets stage for public inquiry
The City of London’s Planning Committee has voted unanimously to refuse plans to convert London’s Custom House into a hotel, citing the lack of public access proposed and harm to the building’s heritage significance.
PRESS RELEASE: England’s premier cathedral city under attack from rapacious overdevelopment
The City of Canterbury is recklessly and destructively placing economic development ahead of its biggest draw and asset, its heritage. A new SAVE Britain's Heritage report Canterbury Take Care! assess how Canterbury City Council is in danger of eroding its unique selling point – its beauty and history.
PRESS RELEASE: Secretary of State throws out Thameside tower block plans
Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for local government has refused permission for highly contentious plans for two 20+ storey towers behind the grade II listed former London Fire Brigade (LFB) headquarters at 8 Albert Embankment.
PRESS RELEASE: Norwich tower block plan abandoned as court case collapses
SAVE Britain's Heritage welcomes the decision by Weston Homes and Columbia Threadneedle to withdraw from the High Court action over highly controversial £271 million plans to re-develop Anglia Square in the centre of Norwich.
Building of the Month April 2021: Former Home Guard Club, 4 Belford Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 1JA
Cottage hospital, masonic lodge, Home Guard club, this distinctive building in Harrogate's central conservation area has a rich history. Saved from destruction after a spirited local campaign with council support, it is now on the market and needs new owners who appreciate its significance to revitalise this local treasure.
SAVE Britain's Heritage Launches New Internship Programme for new entrants to the heritage sector
Are you interested in our national heritage? Do you to want to speak up for threatened buildings and work at the forefront of heritage conservation?
SAVE Britain's Heritage is launching a new Internship Programme and welcomes applicants from all parts of the community for a 4 month part-time paid intern position for those who are new to the historic built environment sector.
Richmond House: Parliamentary report recognises major cost savings in SAVE approach
SAVE Britain’s Heritage is pleased to find that our alternative scheme for retaining Richmond House is cited as the “the cheapest of the shortlisted schemes by some way”, in a report published by the Sponsor body charged with reviewing the costs of restoring the Palace of Westminster.
Building of the Month March 2021: Bransford Mill, Bransford, Worcestershire, WR5 6JL
Time is running out for this listed mill which is in a perilous condition after years of inaction and neglect. Located between Malvern and Worcester, this mill building stands in the grounds of a house which is for sale.
PRESS RELEASE: Former historic Royal Naval Dockyard under threat
SAVE Britain’s Heritage has objected to plans submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council to infill four nationally listed maritime dock structures at the former Royal Dockyard of Pembroke Dock, south Wales.
Building of the Month January 2021 - Albert Hall, Swansea
Swansea's Albert Hall opened in 1864 as a music hall which was visited by some of the big names in Victorian society including Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde and David Lloyd George. Having stood standing empty and deteriorating since 2007, the grade II listed hall was sold earlier this year with exciting plans announced for conversion as a new music venue and offices.
PRESS RELEASE: Public Inquiry opens into London Fire Brigade HQ proposals
A high profile public inquiry has opened into a highly controversial proposal for two residential towers of 24 and 26-storeys and a 10-storey hotel behind the historic grade II listed LFB building in the heart of the Albert Embankment Conservation Area.
PRESS RELEASE: Battle to save pioneering Royal Sanatorium built for Post Office Workers
An imposing 1907 Sanatorium built under the patronage of King Edward VII and his sister for Post Office Union workers is under threat of total demolition. SAVE Britain’s Heritage is now championing its conversion into a series of terraced houses with new housing on land behind it.
PRESS RELEASE: From the functional to the fantastic - SAVE launches new entrants to 2021 Buildings at Risk Register
SAVE Britain's Heritage will reveal the new 2021 list of buildings at risk to be added to its online register on 18th November 2020 to highlight the threats to neglected historic buildings all over the country. In advance of our live online event , which will preview a selection of the new list of additions before they are added to the register, some examples can be seen below.
Building of the Month November 2020: Lock Keeper's Cottages, Ipswich
These small but distinctive buildings are at the heart of the historic port of Ipswich. They have stood boarded up for several years. Together with other nearby dock buildings they could play a leading role in the continued regeneration of the area.
PRESS RELEASE: SAVE unveils alternative plans to retain historic Welsh school
More than 5500 local people have petitioned the Welsh Assembly to halt the demolition of a landmark Victorian School. Now SAVE Britain’s Heritage, working with the architect Philip Tilbury, has produced an alternative scheman alternative to retain and redevelop the school.
PRESS RELEASE: SAVE welcomes Scottish Government's dismissal of damaging Edinburgh Royal High School hotel plans
SAVE Britain's Heritage has welcomed news that the Scottish Government has thrown out an appeal by hotel developers Urbanist Hotels and Duddingston House Properties for a 150-room luxury hotel complex adjacent to the Category A Listed Royal High School on Calton Hill, Edinburgh.
PRESS RELEASE: Beatles landmarks need ‘Help’ on 80th anniversary of John Lennon’s birth
Historians have called for stronger protection of Liverpool’s Beatles birthplaces and tourist landmarks, as fears grow for a series of locations associated with the Fab Four ahead of the 80th anniversary this Friday of band founder John Lennon’s birth.
PRESS RELEASE: Future of magnificent Thames landmark to be decided by City Corporation
Save Britain's Heritage calls for public debate on the future of the Custom House. The 1820s Custom House overlooking the Pool of London is a grand classical composition in the mould of Somerset House and the Edwardian County Hall next to the London Eye.
Building of the Month October 2020: Pelican Works, Great Hampton Street, Birmingham
Atop the Italianate front of this Birmingham Jewellery Quarter factory perches a giant pelican, a symbol of the company which originally built it to manufacture silver goods. Its rear factory range has partially collapsed. This distinctive and attractive building needs comprehensive help now.
PRESS RELEASE: House of Lords to move to dreaming spires of Oxford?
The House of Lords have fiercely resisted the Prime Minister’s proposal that they should move north to York. Would they by contrast agree to move to the Divinity School in Oxford which architect Ian Ritchie shows is uncannily like the House of Lords?
Building of the Month - September 2020: Scalegill Hall & Barn, near Whitehaven
Located near the village of Moor Row in the West Cumbrian countryside, Scalegill Hall is a grade II listed building dating from the 17th century. It stands empty and neglected but still retains much of its original fabric and features.
PRESS RELEASE: Council and Government must act on decaying grand Ayr station hotel
SAVE Britain’s Heritage today publishes a new report Ayr Station Hotel: the new journey asking the public to call for the restoration of Ayr’s category B listed landmark, as South Ayrshire Council launch a three week public consultation on the hotel’s future.
Buildings at Risk: recent update news from Wales - September 2020
August has seen the 150 or so Buildings at Risk entries in Wales fully updated. The update has identified a number of buildings that have been saved, as well as many promising schemes, including proposals to restore Swansea’s striking Victorian Palace Theatre (pictured above). Several buildings are also currently for sale, while others have been left empty and deteriorating.
Buildings at Risk: update news from the East of England - August 2020
Our recent East of England update covered almost 200 buildings at risk, including 56 in Essex alone, the most in any county on our register. Across the region, the update has identified a number of buildings that have been saved and schemes that now have approval to move forward, but many sites remain derelict and left to crumble. There are also a few buildings currently for sale waiting for a new owner to rescue them.
Building of the Month August 2020: Elton Mill, Elton, Cambridgeshire
This Cambridgeshire mill needs a new use to match its picturesque location. It is an important part of Elton’s long history, though it has been left vacant and redundant for a long time and is increasingly at risk of rapid deterioration and loss of fabric. It sits within a popular recreation area and needs some fresh ideas to give it a new purpose.
Building of the Month July 2020: Bowerings Mill, Bridgwater, Somerset
This Victorian mill is a monument to Bridgwater’s industrial history and is described as the "last industrial chimney in Bridgwater". It has been saved from demolition by local voices but now needs creative ideas to give it new purpose.
Buildings at Risk: recent update news from the East Midlands - July 2020
The successful conversion of a number of industrial buildings in the East Midlands have been revealed in our recent update of buildings at risk in this area. Across the region, the update has also highlighted schemes about to move forward but many sites are still looking for fresh ideas and impetus. A few are for sale and could make fascinating and unique projects.
Building of the Month June 2020: Bentley Hall Barn, Suffolk - FOR SALE
Considered to be one of the largest and most impressive Elizabethan timber-framed structures in England, Bentley Hall Barn in Suffolk needs a well-judged balance of care, conservation and creativity if it is to survive. It is for sale but needs to find the right owner.
PRESS RELEASE: Buildings at Risk for sale - Buyers Wanted!
This fascinating collection of buildings from our Buildings at Risk Register are all for sale. If you ever wanted to find the perfect project, now's your chance! Many of these historic buildings already have some approved plans in place as to how they could be saved. What is needed now are discerning owners to turn those plans into reality...
PRESS RELEASE: SAVE welcomes wide-ranging review of Parliament's R&R Programme
SAVE has welcomed news in a press release from the new Sponsor Body in charge of the parliamentary Restoration & Renewal programme issued on 19th May 2020, which states it will re-examine evidence behind previous plans to temporarily relocate MPs and Peers while the Palace of Westminster is restored.
Buildings at Risk: Recent Successes from the South West - May 2020
As part of our ongoing update of the Buildings at Risk register, we have just completed our review of 217 entries in the South West. Of these updates, we have recorded 61 rescues - that's 28% of the entries we held. To continue our series of stories behind these successes and some cases where work is just beginning, we look at a few examples here.
Building of the Month May 2020: Island House, Laugharne, Carmarthenshire
After many years of neglect and advancing decay, 16th century Island House, a rambling and romantic building standing next to the ruins of Laugharne Castle on the Taf Estuary, has just been acquired by a company. It has plans to restore it and convert it into a boutique hotel, restaurant and bar. This will be a fascinating project to follow.
Building of the Month April 2020: Hill Farm, Badingham Road, Peasenhall, Suffolk
This early 17th century grade II listed Suffolk farmhouse is in poor condition but has the potential to make a generous and beautiful home. It needs new occupants with vision and compassion to breathe life into it again.
PRESS RELEASE: Historic Leeds Mill will be Northern Power House
Urgent action by SAVE Britain’s Heritage has helped rescue one of the major architectural landmarks of the Industrial Revolution: the Egyptian Mill in Leeds, known as Temple Works, which has been selected as the potential new home for a new British Library of the north.
PRESS RELEASE: Giant Setback To Official Plans For Temporary MPs Chamber
Parliament’s highly controversial plans for a temporary House of Commons Chamber have received a colossal set back as Historic England has determined that the proposed demolition of Richmond House constitutes substantial harm to a grade II* listed building.
PRESS RELEASE: SAVE condemns proposed demolition of Historic Southampton Mills
SAVE Britain’s Heritage has condemned plans by Associated British Ports (ABP) to demolish the historic Solent Flour Mills in Southampton. Despite urgent calls from two Ward Councillors and over 700 people who have signed a petition to halt the demolition.
SAVE gives evidence against 20-storey Norwich Tower
SAVE Britain’s Heritage has given evidence against the 20-storey tower block proposed for the medieval heart of Norwich during the opening week of a public inquiry examining the future of Anglia Square in the northern city centre.
Round-up of recent successes - February 2020
As part of our on-going update of the register, we have just completed the review of all 177 entries in the West Midlands region. This covers Birmingham and Coventry and the surounding towns and country areas as well as Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We recorded rescues in 45 of those cases - that's 25% of the entries we held - but there were 9 losses (5%). As the first part in a series of articles highlighting the stories behind those successes, we look at four buildings in Worcestershire.
PRESS RELEASE: Slash the cost of a temporary MPs Chamber by at least £500m
SAVE Britain's Heritage in collaboration with Mark Hines architects has published proposals showing that the temporary House of Commons Chamber can be constructed within the main courtyard of Richmond House, a Grade II* listed building on Parliament's Northern Estate.
SAVE objects to demolition of historic Sheffield Public House
SAVE has objected to amended plans to demolish The Plough Inn, an unlisted but historic Public House in the Sandygate area of Sheffield, Yorkshire.
PRESS RELEASE: Heritage groups lead call to re-think Norwich 'calamitous' tower plans.
Seven national and local heritage organisations, as well as the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England, have called on the developers of Anglia Square in central Norwich to reconsider their proposals for the medieval city. This is a prelude to a public inquiry that will open on 28th January in Norwich.
Public Meeting Announcement: Norwich, 14th January 2020
Come to the public meeting on 14th January 2020 to hear from local and national organisations about the devastating impact this development could have and see a new vision for Anglia Square - streets of terraced houses, shops and cinema without a 20 storey tower. Support the campaign to #StoptheTower
Whitechapel Bell Foundry - Secretary of State suspends planning permission for controversial plans
Heritage campaigners have won a temporary reprieve for London's historic Whitechapel Bell Foundry after a temporary halt was issued on controversial plans to turn the grade II* listed foundry site into a 108-room boutique hotel with rooftop swimming pool and artist spaces.
Perseverance is everything
When it comes to the rescue of abandoned country houses, perseverance is everything. Bank Hall appeared in 1981 on the cover of SAVE’s Silent Mansions, written by Sophie Andreae, Catherine Griffiths and Marcus Binney. Now Bank Hall is becoming a shared dwelling space of 10 apartments and 2 larger dwelling spaces. Marucs Binney reports.
PRESS RELEASE: SAVE Rallies Support for Norwich Public Inquiry
SAVE Britain's Heritage is rallying support for the Norwich public inquiry against a highly controversial 20 storey tower planned in the centre of the medieval city. If built, the tower would have a calamitous effect on the character of this magnificent medieval city: at 60m, it would be the tallest building after the cathedral.
PRESS RELEASE: Hands Off Portcullis House - Parliament must not vandalise its own heritage
Without consulting either the public or the original architects, Parliament is about to remove one of the main features of its acclaimed 1990s building Portcullis House which stands across the road from Big Ben.
Have your say on Richmond House demolition plans
The highly controversial proposals for the £1.6 billion demolition of grade II* listed Richmond House on Whitehall, central London have now been submitted for planning permission.
The consultation period as part of the planning application process is open on Westminster City Council's website - and now is the time to make your voice heard.Building of the Month November 2019: United Methodist Free Church, Wavertree, Liverpool
The United Methodist Free Church opened in 1903 to serve the Methodist community of the burgeoning streets of terraced housing being built in Wavertree. Now it needs a new way of serving the community in which it stands.
SAVE urges planners to re-think infill plan for Liverpool’s historic docks
Liverpool’s historic West Waterloo Dock remains under threat from a highly controversial infilling and tower block scheme, despite strong opposition from local campaign groups, heritage organisations and renewed UNESCO warnings.
Press release: Cathedral architects unite to condemn demolition of Richmond House as “needlessly destructive”
The chair of the Cathedral Architects Association Jane Kennedy and 13 of its members have signed a letter to The Times urging parliament to consider alternatives to the “needlessly destructive” plans to demolish Richmond House for a temporary MPs chamber.
Buildings at Risk success stories
Every year we include in the Buildings at Risk Catalogue a section covering some successful restorations we have recorded during the year. Here is one example in Liverpool which appears in the 2019 catalogue we have just published: 60 Seel Street/30 Slater Street, Liverpool
PRESS RELEASE: Richmond House can be model low energy government offices
New report calls on parliament to prove its climate change commitment and reverse wasteful demolition and rebuild plans for Richmond House.
Parliament should lead by example and seize 'enormous opportunity' to refurbish high quality building to low energy standards.
Lord Nelson rescued! Plans to demolish historic pub in North Somerset refused
SAVE Britain’s Heritage is delighted to report that the Lord Nelson public house in Cleeve has been saved. On 9th May, North Somerset Council refused plans to demolish the Lord Nelson, a 1930s public house located halfway between Bristol and Weston-super-Mare.
Building of the Month May 2019: Graylingwell Farmhouse, Chichester, West Sussex
Handsome Gralingwell Farmhouse, built in the 18th century, has been left poorly defended against the elements despite on-going development around it which should have seen it restored. This needs to be addressed to prevent further deterioration.
Press release: Government announcement on planning inquiries dodges public scrutiny
SAVE Britain’s Heritage expresses grave concern at the government’s response to our successful case at the Court of Appeal on ministers’ refusal to give reasons for call-in decisions. This includes highly controversial developments like the Paddington Cube in central London.
Oldest synagogue in the UK threatened by 20 storey tower on adjacent site
SAVE Britain’s Heritage has objected to plans for a 20 storey tower next to the 18th century Bevis Marks synagogue in the City of London, which is grade I listed. We are concerned that the proposed tower would affect the immediate setting of one of England’s most important religious buildings.
Richmond House - a building worth fighting for
Marcus Binney, Executive President of SAVE, sets out his thoughts about the significance of Richmond House, the great II* listed building at Whitehall, which will be largely demolished to accommodate the temporary House of Commons Chamber while the Palace of Westminster is being refurbished.
Give these buildings a chance: SAVE issues open plea to Council to delay demolition of Bognor Regis seaside heritage
SAVE Britain's Heritage has issued a direct appeal to the chief executive of Arun District Council to halt the imminent demolition of two historic seaside buildings in a conservation area. Arun District Council issued a demolition order on 15 January 2019 on the grounds that the buildings are at risk of being occupied by squatters, and therefore on health and safety grounds must be demolished.
Press release: Royal seaside resort uses loophole to demolish its own historic buildings
Two of Bognor Regis’s few remaining historic buildings are under imminent threat from demolition. Despite being in a conservation area, the Council has issued a demolition order ignoring legally binding heritage protection rules.
SAVE slams government plans to allow additional floors to buildings without planning permission
SAVE Britain's Heritage has submitted a detailed response to the government's consultation on national proposals to permit upward extensions and additional stories to buildings without planning permission.
Europa Nostra delegation visits Grimsby Ice Factory
The Europa Nostra and European Investment Bank Institute 'Mission Visit' to Grimsby Ice Factory took place from 16-18 December 2018. The building was successfully nominated last year by SAVE Britain's Heritage, in conjunction with the Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust, as one of Europe's 7 Most Endangered heritage sites.
Too good to lose. SAVE publishes new book on historic schools at risk
Our report Too good to lose. Historic schools at risk, published in November 2018, is prompted by national concern about the loss of historic school buildings and illustrates examples of fi ne buildings standing empty and deteriorating and others handsomely refurbished for new uses.
Press release: Miniature castle in Bridgwater, Somerset, emerges after 20 years of rescue battle
The scaffolding has come down! SAVE Britain’s Heritage is delighted to announce that the final stage of structural repairs and restoration of the façade of Castle House in Bridgwater, Somerset, has now completed. For the first time after many years, the elaborate concrete ornaments of this unique grade II* listed building are visible again.
Press release: SAVE backs alternative Hopkins proposal for temporary House of Commons in bid to rescue grade II* listed Whitehall landmark
SAVE is backing an alternative proposal by renowned architect Sir Michael Hopkins for the temporary House of Commons chamber, required by the £6bn refurbishment of the Palace of Westminster. The alternative proposal would reprieve the grade II* listed Richmond House on Whitehall - currently slated as the government's preferred site for the temporary chamber and threatened with major demolition and redevelopment.
Listing success! Historic cinema in London’s West End is celebrated and protected through listing
SAVE Britain’s Heritage is excited to announce the listing of the Empire Cinema on Haymarket in London’s West End. The decision today by Historic England, follows a high profile campaign by SAVE and the Cinemas Theatre Association to save the building from major demolition.
Press release: SAVE wins landmark judgement against the Secretary of State on giving reasons for call-in decisions
The Court of Appeal ruled today that ministers must abide by a published government policy and give reasons for call-in decisions on planning applications. This includes planning applications that were not called in – like the highly controversial Paddington Cube.
System update: help us add to and update the Buildings at Risk register
Do you know of any historic buildings standing empty and decaying that should be added to the SAVE Buildings at Risk register? Have you spotted a building that already appears on our register but is now in a different condition than we describe?
SAVE is starting the search for buildings at risk to appear in our 2019- 2020 Buildings at Risk Catalogue and we would like to hear from you. We are also conducting an update of the register and would welcome any news on existing entries.
Press release: Brave challenge by Manchester Civic Society rejected by High Court Judge
The legal challenge to a proposed 40-storey tower overwhelming Manchester’s civic centre has been rejected by a High Court judge.
SAVE considered that the chairman of Manchester Civic Society Steve Speakman had strong legal grounds for challenging the City Council’s planning permission.Press release: SAVE presents alternative scheme for St Michael’s site in Manchester
13 September 2018
SAVE Britain’s Heritage has today published an alternative design concept for Jackson’s Row/Bootle Street in central Manchester – the highly contested development site in the city’s historic core known as ‘St Michael’s’.
Developed in collaboration with Ian Chalk Architects, our alternative concept shows how the 1930s former police station headquarters and surrounding streets can be brought back to life and transformed with a conservation led approach.Press release: SAVE to challenge Secretary of State at Court of Appeal over Paddington Cube on 13 September 2018
SAVE Britain's Heritage’s legal challenge to the Secretary of State James Brokenshire regarding the highly controversial 19 storey office block will be heard at the Court of Appeal at the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand on 13th September.
Press release: SAVE publishes new photos of 1927 West End cinema interiors under threat from demolition
SAVE Britain’s Heritage is delighted to present a photographic survey of the Empire Cinema on Haymarket, the fantastic 1920s entertainment palace. In June 2018, we commissioned professional photographer Ian Grundy to highlight the special significance of this unique cinema, currently under threat from demolition plans. See all of the pictures here.
Building of the Month, September 2018: The Bilston School of Art, Wolverhampton
The Bilston School of Art has long served Wolverhampton as a place of education and improvement. Situated in the Mount Pleasant area of Wolverhampton, it was built to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897.
Press release: SAVE backs Steve Speakman's legal challenge against 40-storey tower in Manchester's historic centre
SAVE Britain's Heritage welcomes the bid by Steve Speakman, chairman of Manchester Civic Society, to challenge the highly controversial planning permission for a 40-storey tower in Manchester city centre.
Leading heritage organisations back urgent calls to save 1920s West End cinema
In a letter published today in The Times, five national heritage organisations are backing our calls to save the Empire Cinema on Haymarket from demolition.
This historic 1927 building, formerly the Carlton Cinema, has beautiful largely intact interiors. It is owned by the Crown Estate and under threat from an application for immunity from listing. It is the last remaining grand palace cinema in the West End still in use as a cinema and theatre.SAVE welcomes the acquisition of Gwrych Castle by preservation trust
15 June 2018
The castle has been in a desperate state for nearly 50 years and SAVE has supported Mark Baker’s campaigning which remarkably began when he was 11. Described as a fairy tale castle Gwrych is one of the grandest landmarks of the Romantic Era in Europe, an overpoweringly theatrical composition of embattled walls and towers climbing up a wooded hillside.
Building of the Month June 2018: Cattistock Lodge, Dorset
Taken from the cover of our forthcoming Buildings at Risk Catalogue, Revive and Survive, Cattistock Lodge has a beautiful and mysterious appearance. It is a house that has clearly been in decline for a while and stands in grounds containing other buildings.
SAVE urges Waltham Forest to stop imminent demolition of two remaining Edwardian buildings at Selwyn Primary school in Highams Park
SAVE feels very strongly about the loss of these handsome Edwardian buildings. Even at this late stage, we support the efforts of local people to save the remaining delightful buildings from the bulldozer.
Star actress backs listing of the historic Empire cinema, Haymarket
The award winning film, television and theatre actress, Gillian Anderson OBE has written to Historic England backing our listing application for the Empire, Haymarket, and made a plea for the preservation of the interiors of this 1927 cinema.
Date set for Paddington Cube Court of Appeal Challenge
01 May 2018
SAVE Britain's Heritage is pleased to announce that our challenge to the Secretary of State regarding the refusal to give reasons for not calling in the Paddington Cube (now marketed as Paddington Square) will be heard at the Court of Appeal on 19th July.
Press release: SAVE Britain’s Heritage calls for urgent listing of last surviving grand 1920s West End cinema
The battle is on to save the Empire Cinema – formerly the Carlton – on Haymarket. This building is the only remaining major cinema of the inter-war years in London’s West End which is both substantially intact and in use as a cinema and should be listed.
Press release: Grimsby Ice Factory among 7 most endangered heritage sites in Europe
Grimsby Ice Factory has been selected by Europa Nostra as one of the most threatened sites in Europe. SAVE Britain’s Heritage nominated the Grade II* listed Ice Factory in 2017 due to widespread local and national concerns about the derelict and deteriorating condition of this historically significant building.
Press release: SAVE Britain’s Heritage calls for public inquiry into Manchester footballers’ tower
SAVE Britain’s Heritage along with other national and local heritage organisations is calling for an independent public inquiry into the highly controversial tower proposed for Manchester’s historic core. Despite widespread concerns and objections to the 40 storey tower, the proposals were given the green light yesterday by Manchester City Council.
Press release: Listed buildings under threat in Wales - heritage groups urge rethink of planning law reform
In a letter printed in The Times today, nine national heritage organisations including SAVE Britain’s Heritage are calling on the Welsh Law Commission and the Welsh Assembly to reject proposed changes to legislation that would abolish listed building consent and merge it with planning permission.
Press release: Manchester tower proposal is most damaging since 1970s Montparnasse Tower in Paris
SAVE Britain’s Heritage has submitted major objections to new plans for a 40-storey tower in a central Manchester’s historic core. The planned tower, next to one of the finest Town Halls in England and the central library building, will have a devastating impact on the harmony and splendour of Manchester’s townscape.
Press release: SAVE welcomes spotlight on Grimsby as Ice Factory named among the 12 ‘most endangered’ heritage sites in Europe
SAVE Britain’s Heritage welcomes the announcement today that Grimsby’s historic Ice Factory is on Europa Nostra’s shortlist of the most endangered heritage sites in Europe. Just 12 sites have been selected by Europe’s leading heritage organisation and the European Investment Bank Institute.
Building of the Month January 2018: Hexham Workhouse needs to be put to work again
Hexham Workhouse has been on our register since 2006, the year after it was acquired by a developer with plans to convert to care home use. Apart from a withdrawn application to demolish some of the buildings on site in 2010, no specific proposals have yet been made as to its new use. With no plans ever forthcoming, a local group has proposed an alternative affordable housing scheme.
Press release: SAVE response to Paddington Cube legal challenge
The High Court has today dismissed the legal action by SAVE Britain's Heritage challenging the Secretary of State over his refusal to call in the Paddington Cube proposals for public inquiry. SAVE’s challenge focuses on the government’s refusal to give reasons for his decision not to call-in the highly controversial west London proposals.
Press release: SAVE welcomes new Conservation Area for Grimsby – following our high-profile campaign to stop demolition last year
SAVE Britain's Heritage warmly welcomes the announcement this week that Grimsby has created a new Conservation Area for the town's historic fishing docks, known as the Kasbah - a network of historic warehouses, smoke houses and shops on a handful of streets which date back to the 1870s
SAVE launches fundraising appeal for Paddington Cube legal costs ahead of High Court hearing on 1st November
In the run-up to our judicial review hearing in the High Court of Justice on 1st November, SAVE has launched a fundraising appeal towards legal costs against the highly controversial proposals known as ‘The Paddington Cube’.
SAVE Lecture: Just a certificate on the wall? UNESCO World Heritage status and the battle for the city
We were delighted that SAVE's 2017 annual lecture was given by architecture and design critic Oliver Wainwright, entitled:
Just a certificate on the wall? UNESCO World Heritage status and the battle for the cityBuilding of the Month October 2017: Brynwell Farmhouse, Vale of Glamorgan
Victorian but with 14th century elements, this Grade II listed farmhouse near to Cardiff may stand on the site of a 12th century castle. It could be brought back into residential use and there is potential for the outbuildings also to be converted.
Press release: The Welsh Streets: a transforming moment
SAVE's prolonged battle to prevent the needless and wasteful destruction of tens of thousands of decent terraced houses in the north of England has received triumphant vindication with the opening in August 2017 of the first restored houses in Liverpool's Welsh Streets.
SAVE granted permission for judicial review of government decision on Paddington Cube
The High Court has granted permission to SAVE Britain's Heritage to challenge the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government over his refusal to call in the Paddington Cube proposals for public inquiry.
Leading architects, writers and historians back bid to save Southwark tube station - a modern ‘architectural sensation’
A group of leading historians, writers and architects is urging the Secretary of State for Culture Karen Bradley to assess the architectural quality of 11 modern Jubilee Line tube stations – all opened to critical acclaim in 1999 - including Southwark which was recently refused listing.
UNESCO rebukes UK government over Liverpool World Heritage Site and issues final warning
UNESCO has issued its strongest warning to date that Liverpool risks losing its coveted ‘World Heritage’ status in 2018, unless the UK Government acts now to make major corrective changes to the way it manages the city’s historic waterfront.
Grandest stately home saved for the Nation - Wentworth Woodhouse sale completes
After 70 years of uncertainty the future of one of England’s grandest country houses is now secure. This follows the £7m sale of Wentworth Woodhouse in South Yorkshire to the specially formed Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, initiated by SAVE.
Whitechapel Bell Foundry update: Building trust seeks urgent deal with owners to save buildings and business
In a letter published in The Times, a Trustee of the UK Heritage Building Preservation Trust makes an open request to the owners of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry to defer the current sale and auction, to enable an alternative model to be assembled which would save the foundry for the nation.
Campaign update: Paddington Cube placed on ice by Secretary of State
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has issued an Article 31 holding direction on the Paddington Cube, preventing Westminster City Council from granting planning permission, whilst he considers whether the application should be called in for a public inquiry
Press release: SAVE calls for increased Conservation Area protection ahead of heritage debate in Parliament this week
SAVE Britain’s Heritage is calling for new laws to strengthen and clarify protection of historic buildings, streets and places in Conservation Areas across Britain, ahead of a special debate in the House of Commons on 26th January.
Press release: SAVE launches petition against Paddington Cube and calls on Secretary of State to halt the highly controversial plans
SAVE Britain’s Heritage has written to Secretary of State Sajid Javid urging him to halt the highly controversial 'Paddington Cube' plans and to review the decision to grant permission via an independent public inquiry.
Press release: SAVE Britain’s Heritage blasts “outrageously and gratuitously overscaled” Paddington Cube
SAVE has submitted strong objections against the proposed 54m Paddington Cube and called on Westminster’s planning committee to refuse the application for offices when it is decided on 6 December 2016.
SAVE condemns imminent demolition of historic Cambridge terrace in Conservation Area
SAVE Britain’s Heritage has condemned the imminent demolition of a Victorian terrace on the edge of Cambridge’s historic core as ‘wanton and unnecessary destruction’. Nos 32-38 Station Road, commonly known as Wilton Terrace, lie in a Conservation Area in the historic city, close to the city’s railway station.
Press release: Associated British Ports bulldozes unique historic buildings on Grimsby Docks
Associated British Ports (ABP), the owners of a fine set of Victorian and Edwardian buildings on Grimsby Docks, has begun major demolition today, despite pleas from five national heritage organisations to save and re-use them.
Press release: SAVE condemns demolition of Grimsby's fishing heritage as owners ignore expert pleas to re-think plans
SAVE Britain’s Heritage has condemned plans by owners Associated British Ports to continue with the demolition of historic buildings on Grimsby docks, despite pleas from us, Historic England and other leading national heritage organisations to halt demolition.
SAVE condemns imminent demolition of Futurist as 'civic vandalism'
SAVE Britain's Heritage laments the hurried destruction of a fine piece of early cinema architecture on Lime Street, Liverpool, one of the grandest frontages of its kind to survive in England. In the annals of architectural history, this demolition is an arch piece of civic vandalism.
Heritage groups issue open letter calling on Associated British Ports to stop demolition in historic Grimsby Docks
In an open letter, printed in The Times newspaper today, six heritage organisations including SAVE have called on Associated British Ports to halt the demolition of historic buildings within Grimsby Docks.
Press release: ‘Stop the Rot’: SAVE calls for urgent action to revive and regenerate historic buildings at Grimsby docks and steps back from legal challenge
With the greatest reluctance SAVE has decided that it cannot pursue its court challenge on the historic Cosalt buildings at Grimsby Docks further due to escalating costs
SAVE calls on new Secretary of State to convene urgent Liverpool World Heritage Site summit
SAVE has written to Karen Bradley, the new Secretary of State for the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), to request she call a summit meeting to address the serious issue of Liverpool’s World Heritage Site (WHS), which is on the UNESCO At Risk list.
UNESCO flags ‘serious concerns’ over impact of major new development on Liverpool World Heritage Site
UNESCO is set to re-iterate its ‘serious concerns’ about Liverpool’s World Heritage site, and is recommending that all major development within the area and buffer zone is stopped before satisfactory measures to eliminate threats to the site are in place.
Press release: Calls grow for re-think of Liverpool’s Lime Street redevelopment plan as architect slams proposals as “monolithic” and “bleak”
Liverpool based architect and urban designer Trevor Skempton has slammed the proposed redevelopment of Liverpool’s Lime Street, describing it as “a monolithic development with a few shops added like an afterthought.”
Press release: Foyles War – SAVE calls on the Secretary of State to halt demolition of Soho landmark
SAVE has written to Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, requesting that he call in proposals to demolish a landmark site in the Soho Conservation Area for a public inquiry.
The Futurist is not a threat to public safety: read the independent expert report here
This report by Integral Engineering Design was commissioned at end of May by Liverpool City Council and SAVE in a bid to establish the condition of the Futurist and its façade by an independent third party engineer.
Press release: SAVE to publish 2016-17 buildings at risk catalogue Great Expectations on 27 June
SAVE's 2016-17 Buildings at Risk Catalogue will be published on 27th June 2016 and this year features a fascinating selection of buildings including a number of cinemas and theatres as well as a WWII Women's Land Army Hostel, a Pumping Station and a gothic gatehouse.
Exhibition 'Development Hell' at Shoreditch Church with participation of SAVE extended until end of May
SAVE Britain's Heritage is taking part in a grassroots exhibition at Shoreditch Church, 'Development Hell', highlighting challenging planning battles taking place in London today and providing practical advice for campaigners.
Press release: New expert report commissioned by Liverpool City Council and SAVE confirms that the Futurist facade is not a danger to the public – and can be retained
A new report jointly commissioned by Liverpool City Council and SAVE confirms that the façade of the historic Futurist cinema on Lime Street is stable, and emergency demolition is not necessary.
Updated Statement from SAVE on the Futurist Cinema, Liverpool Lime Street
On Monday 16 May 2016, in the Court of Appeal, Lord Justice Lindblom heard an application by Liverpool City Council to vary an undertaking given to the Court which would result in the partial demolition of the façade using heavy plant.
Press release: SAVE calls on Liverpool City Council to act on recommendations of independent report and retain the historic façade of the Futurist Cinema
SAVE Britain’s Heritage has submitted an urgent report to Liverpool City Council challenging the imminent demolition plans proposed to the building’s historic façade.
PRESS RELEASE: Liverpool’s historic Futurist cinema threatened by proposed emergency ‘deconstruction’ works
SAVE is extremely concerned about the immediate future of the former Futurist Cinema in Lime Street, Liverpool, following a press release issued by the owners Liverpool City Council which states that urgent ‘deconstruction’ works at the building are required
SAVE seeks new Administrator
Join our team on a part-time basis. Please see pdf for more details or contact clem.cecil@savebritainsheritage.org
Press release: SAVE supports local groups campaigning against over-development on the City fringe, in Tower Hamlets
SAVE gives support to local groups in East London
Press release: Public Inquiry called over plans to demolish 154-158 and façade 152-153 Strand
SAVE welcomes Greg Clark's decision to call in Kings College's planning application.
Press release: SAVE prepares a new vision for Silver Hill, Winchester
With the architect Huw Thomas SAVE is preparing a new vision for the Silver Hill site in Winchester
Press release: change of position from Historic England on the Strand buildings; Michael Palin adds his voice to the campaign
SAVE welcomes Historic England’s reviewed stance on the Strand: they now conclude that King’s College’s proposals to demolish four buildings and retain only the façade of a fifth causes substantial harm to the conservation area
Press Release: Kings College London proposes demolition of a group of distinctive historic buildings on one of London’s most famous thoroughfares: SAVE objects
SAVE is robustly objecting to a planning application from Kings College, London, to demolish four buildings on the Strand that goes to planning committee tonight in the City of Westminster (Tuesday 21st April).
Press release: The future of England's grandest country house
A race is on to raise funds to preserve Wentworth Woodhouse, one of the grandest stately homes in Britain, by placing it in a new charitable trust which will open it to the public. So far £3.4m has been pledged towards an acquisition target of £7m. SAVE is now urgently seeking a matching sum to enable the purchase to go ahead.
Press release: Save unveils refurbishment of 21 Madryn Street, former home of Ringo Starr’s aunt in the Welsh Streets, to designs by Wayne and Tilly Hemingway
As the public inquiry into the demolition of over 400 terraced houses in Liverpool’s Welsh Streets gets underway, SAVE presents the redecoration and refurbishment currently taking place at our house in Madryn Street.
Press Release: The Victorian Society submits listing applications to English Heritage for the General Market and Fish Market at Smithfield
The Victorian Society has today submitted listing applications to English Heritage for the General Market and Fish Market at Smithfield in London, considering that previous listing assessments of the buildings had serious flaws.
Press Release: SAVE and the Victorian Society submit a full planning application for Smithfield General Market and Annex.
This alternative scheme involves no demolition and is based on a business plan from Urban Space Management, who transformed Camden Lock, and Spitalfields Market from empty heritage buildings with zero occupancy into thriving, vibrant cultural destinations.
Press Release: Gateshead Council ignores judicial review proceedings and commences demolitions in Bensham and Saltwell. SAVE seeks an injunction.
Yesterday evening the demolition of terraced housing on Westminster Street near Saltwell Park, Newcastle began. At stake are 290 houses in the wider area whose demolition was given permission this summer by Gateshead Council.
Pickles calls Public Inquiry into Welsh Streets Application – but does not call in similar application in Gateshead.
SAVE Britain’s Heritage welcomes yesterday’s government announcement of a Public Inquiry into controversial housing demolitions in Liverpool’s famous ‘Welsh Streets’, birthplace of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr. SAVE regrets that the government has chosen not to call in a similar application in Gateshead
Press Release: Seafield House, Ayr, is put back on the market potentially heralding a new chapter in the life of this important building
Seafield House, Ayr, the former residence of renowned Scottish engineer Sir William Arrol, is put back on the market, potentially heralding a new chapter in the life of this important building. SAVE appeals to the local authority to ensure the right outcome for the house is reached.
SAVE welcomes Eric Pickles move to consider Public Inquiry on Planning Decision for Welsh Streets, Liverpool
SAVE Britain’s Heritage welcomes Eric Pickles’ rapid decision to suspend demolition of 440 homes in Liverpool’s Welsh Streets area. Pickles’ intervention provides a much needed chance to establish a fair solution for an historic neighbourhood left boarded up by a failed regeneration programme.
Press Release: Pathfinder continues in Liverpool where planning permission is granted to demolish 440 terraced houses on the Welsh Streets - SAVE demands Public Inquiry.
Liverpool Council grants Housing Association, Plus Dane, permission to demolish 440 houses on the Welsh Streets, Toxteth, Liverpool - a continuation of Pathfinder-scale demolition 18 months after the Government officially called an end to the destructive policy.
Press Release: City grants itself permission to gut Smithfield General Market - SAVE asks the Secretary of State for a Call In.
Today in London’s Guildhall the Planning and Transportation Committee voted 19 to 2 to give planning permission to a controversial proposal from Henderson Global Investors to gut the handsome market halls of the Smithfield General Market.
Press Release: Jessops Hospital, Sheffield - Court of Appeal Ruling
Yesterday in the Court of Appeal, SAVE Britain’s Heritage and the Victorian Society established the correct interpretation of the crucial and controversial paragraph 133 of National Planning Policy. However on the facts of this particular case we failed to secure permission for Judicial Review into Sheffield Council’s decision to grant permission to Sheffield University to demolish the Grade 2 listed Jessops Hospital, to make way for a new engineering block.
Press Release: SAVE Britain's Heritage and the Victorian Society Join Forces in an Attempt to Save Jessops Hospital in Sheffield
The Victorian Society and SAVE Britain's Heritage have issued joint Judicial Review proceedings with the aim of saving the Grade II listed Edwardian Jessop Hospital building from demolition, that was granted to the University by Sheffield City Council.
Sheffield City Council approves demolition of Grade II listed Edwardian Jessop Hospital despite objections from the heritage sector
SAVE objects to Sheffield City Council's decision to allow Sheffield University to demolish Grade II Listed Edwardian Jessop Hospital building, subject to approval by Secretary of State, Eric Pickles.
Smithfield General Market - Petition to stop gutting of buildings
Henderson Global Investors' plan for Smithfield General Market is a thinly veiled application to build a series of office blocks, and demolish a remarkable group of Victorian market hall interiors. Please sign this petition to Heritage Minister Ed Vaizey to stop the gutting of Smithfield, and to list the building.
Renewed hope for 59 and 61 East Street, Southend, Essex as they are saved from demolition!
A pair of late 19th-century houses in the Prittlewell Conservation Area in Southend, Essex listed on Essex County Council's Buildings at Risk Register have been saved from demolition giving renewed hope for the future of 59 and 61 East Street.
Government-funded Pathfinder-style demolitions continue in Liverpool, despite announcements about bringing empty homes back into use
Liverpool Council today announced that £14million was at last going to be spent on bringing hundreds of empty homes back into use in the city. However, SAVE can reveal almost three times as many empty homes will still be demolished, paid for by this money.
Edwardian former mental hospital saved from demolition
A model Edwardian hospital of 1900 designed by London architects Giles Gough and Trollope set in rolling green fields on the lower slopes of the Brecon Beacons National Park has been saved from demolition by the unanimous vote of members of the planning committee of the National Park Authority. For over ten years the handsome stone-built hospital buildings have looked increasingly doomed as they have been vandalised and left to rot.
TWO VICTORIES AGAINST THE SECRETARY OF STATE IN THE HIGH COURT FOR SAVE BRITAIN'S HERITAGE
SAVE Britain's Heritage has won two major high court rulings in their decade-long campaign to end housing destruction in the north of England, both of which will potentially save thousands of homes from the bulldozer and bring in a new era of neighbourhood refurbishment.
SAVE calls on the new Housing Minister to support new proposals that champion Liverpool's Welsh Streets.
SAVE calls on the new Housing Minister to support new proposals that champion Liverpool's Welsh Streets.
The London We Love: SAVE Britain's Heritage's ongoing London campaigns
London has been the centre of world attention for the last few weeks, its culture and buildings celebrated. Many of these buildings, some of them iconic and internationally known, others important as anchors of local community, are under threat. In the coming year SAVE is going to be compiling a report of buildings at risk in London; we open our campaign with a short list of sites of concern to us now.
RINGO'S BIRTHPLACE BECOMES FIG-LEAF FOR CONTINUING DEMOLITION IN LIVERPOOL'S WELSH STREETS
SAVE Britain's Heritage and the Empty Homes Charity are dismayed by the tokenism of Housing Minister Grant Shapps and Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson who are saving Ringo Starr's birthplace and a handful of other homes on his street, while allowing the demolition of hundreds of nearby homes.
New SAVE Report: London's Churches are Fighting Back
In 1985 SAVE published the report London's Churches are Falling Down, revealing the desperate plight of some of the capital's most beautiful places of worship. A quarter of a century on, SAVE revisits the subject with London's Churches are Fighting Back.
Saving Thanet: The Architecture of Kent's Forgotten Coast
The rich architectural heritage of the north eastern tip of Kent is the focus of this new SAVE report. The report takes a fresh look at the Isle of Thanet, with its towns of Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs, assessing the state of the area's historic
Pickles Deals Huge Blow to Welsh Streets Demolition Plans
Huge blow for council's plans to flatten historic neighbourhood as Secretary of State rules that Welsh Streets demolition should be subject to Environmental Impact Assessment