The Victorian Society has announced its annual list of endangered buildings in England and Wales, highlighting the threats these historic structures face. The charity, dedicated to preserving Victorian and Edwardian architecture, compiles this list each year to raise awareness about buildings at risk of being lost.
This year’s list features notable landmarks such as one of the world’s first purpose-built amusement parks, a requisitioned school where author Vera Brittain served as a nurse during WWI, and one of the earliest tennis pavilions.
Among the highlighted buildings is the Kursaal Palace in Essex, believed to be the world’s first amusement park with features like a circus, ballroom, arcade, dining hall, billiard room, zoo, and ice rink. Over the years, it also housed a casino and bowling alley and hosted major bands, including AC/DC. Today, part of the building is occupied by a Tesco Express.
Griff Rhys Jones, President of the Victorian Society and well-known comedian and actor, expressed his concern: “It’s alarming to see buildings I’ve known and loved all my life in need of rescue. These structures add character and story to urban landscapes. Their restoration and reuse make commercial sense. They are already attractions and should be sources of local pride. Do we want a parking lot or a faceless block in their place, generating new carbon pollution, when they offer so much color, continuity, and history?”
James Hughes, Director of the Victorian Society, added: “Two buildings on this list have appeared in previous editions, underscoring their chronic difficulties and urgent need for intervention. The fact that three of the ten buildings are owned by local authorities reflects the restrictive Council budgets. Regardless of their circumstances, all these buildings are important and endangered. It is crucial to find means to ensure their short-term survival and secure their long-term and appropriate reuse.”
From last year’s list, the Office for the Board of Guardians of Walsall Poor Law Union in the West Midlands was sold at auction, and the new owner is in discussions about its future as offices. Blackborough House, also from 2023, did not sell and is back on the market seeking a new owner to continue restoration efforts.
Top 10 Endangered Building 2024 by The Victorial Society (in no particular order):
Cardiff Coal Exchange, Butetown, Glamorgan. Grade II*. Architect: Seward & Thomas, 1884-86
Chances Glassworks, Smethwick, Sandwell. Scheduled Monument, comprising nine Grade II structures, Architect: Unknown, 1847 – 60
Former Education Dept Offices, Derby, Derbyshire. Grade II, Architect: Giles & Brookhouse, 1871
Kennington Boys’ School (Cormont Road School), Lambeth. Grade II, Architect: T J Bailey, 1898
Jesmond Dene Banqueting Hall, Newcastle Upon Tyne Grade II, John Dobson, extended to provide a gatehouse, reception hall and display room, Norman Shaw, 1860-62 and 1869/70
St Luke’s Chapel, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottinghamshire. Grade II, Architect: Arthur Marshall, 1902
St Martins (formerly Roslyn Hoe), Ilfracombe, Devon. Grade II Architect: WM Robbins of Ilfracombe,1880
St Agnes’ Vicarage and Hall, Liverpool, Merseyside. Vicarage Grade II* and Hall Grade II. Architect: Norman Shaw, 1887
The Kursaal, Southend-on-Sea, Essex. Grade II, Architect: George Sherrin, 1898-99
The former Bramcote Tennis Pavilion, Scarborough, N. Yorkshire. Grade II Architect: John Hall, 1885
Images: The Victorian Society
