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Number of heritage buildings
at risk at new low
THE number of historically significant
listed buildings in Liverpool deemed to be 'at risk' of falling into
dilapidation, has fallen to a 24 year low, according to new figures.
As of the end of June, just 96 out of a total of 2,679 are said to be 'at risk'.
This is down from 351 in 1991 and 142 in 2009.
 
It's anticipated that a further 25 buildings across the City will have either
been repaired or undergoing full refurbishment within the next 12 months,
including St Luke's Church near the City Centre and Heaps Rice Mill which is set
to become residential accommodation, as part of a larger development project in
the Baltic Triangle.
Historic England, the government heritage body that oversees buildings and
monuments, says the average number listed buildings at risk in a City, like
Liverpool, should be around 6% or 7%. By
the end of 2016, Liverpool City Council estimates the figure will have fallen
to just 2.6%, less than ˝ the national average.
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Recent success stories include the North Warehouse, at Stanley Dock, the Royal
Insurance building on North John Street, the Laundry and Laundry Cottage at Croxteth Park and St Andrew's Church on Rodney Street.
Welcoming the figures, Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said:- "It's
important that we protect and enhance the heritage of our great City for future
generations. These buildings have shaped not only the Liverpool's history, but
the Country's and the wider world's. The team responsible for
these impressive figures have my thanks and I'm sure the whole City's; for the
important work they've done in preserving our civic heritage. It's a huge
challenge because many of the buildings are not in the ownership of the Council.
However we are not complacent and know there is more work to be done."
Chris Griffiths from Liverpool City Council's Urban Design and Heritage
Conservation team added:- "For a number of years, we have set out to get
to grips with the issue, putting in place sound working practices, protocols and
experienced staff to make sure that the City's historic buildings are cared for
and preserved. The approach is paying off, with the number of at risk
buildings now at the lowest for a generation."
Last year, Historic England (formerly English Heritage) praised Liverpool for
its approach to preserving its historic buildings, highlighting the work to
preserve Stanley Dock North Warehouse by transforming it into a five star
Titanic Hotel, and the restoration of the former Royal Insurance Building into
the Aloft Hotel. Buildings currently on the list include:- the Wellington Rooms and churches
including St Bride's, St James and the Welsh Prebyterian Church; all in
Liverpool 8, All Saints Church in Liverpool 7, Greenbank Drive Synagogue in
Liverpool 17 and Holy Trinity Church in Liverpool 5. Liverpool City Council is
working in partnership with Historic England on rescuing each.
A new bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for Townscape Heritage Funding has been
prepared for the Ropewalks and Chinatown area of the City and, if successful,
will provide funding for the Nelson Street area, as well as other key sites in
Ropewalks, part of which is in the World Heritage Site. |
