A nationwide appeal to find the ten Victorian or Edwardian buildings most at risk has been launched by the Victorian Society (Vic Soc).
The Victorian Society writes:
The Victorian Society is calling on historians, enthusiasts and local campaigners across England and Wales to nominate Victorian or Edwardian buildings that are at risk in their local area.
The campaign aims to highlight the problems facing many of our historic buildings. Nominations in previous years have included Victorian schools, viaducts, former workhouses, pubs, stately homes and chapels.
‘We want to make sure the best Victorian and Edwardian architecture survives for future generations to enjoy. To do this we need to know what is most at risk, from demolition, development, or simply neglect,’ said Chris Costelloe, Director of the Victorian Society.
‘Continuing wide-ranging council cuts mean certain building types are particularly under threat; we’ve been told about some of the libraries, town halls or swimming pools now facing an uncertain future but there will be many more and we would like to hear about them.’
In many cases the money for restoration simply isn’t there but these buildings mustn’t be left to rot. The cost of weather-proofing a building and protecting if from vandals need not be huge, but it can make a massive difference. Without this sort of help some buildings may be beyond repair by the time the economy picks up again.’
Buildings don’t have to be listed to be nominated. Many good Victorian and Edwardian buildings aren’t listed and could be at risk, perhaps of demolition, from insensitive development or simply neglect. They need to have been built between 1837 and 1914.
‘All over the country there are wonderful examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. If you live near a building at risk that you think is worth saving, then we want to hear about it.’ The deadline for nominations is Friday 5th July 2013. All the buildings will then be considered by the Society’s experts on architecture and conservation, and a Top Ten will be published in the autumn.
Buildings can be nominated by email to topten@victoriansociety.org.uk, by post to The Victorian Society, 1 Priory Gardens, London W4 1TT or on Twitter @thevicsoc.
The Victorian Society News: LINK
