Buildings at Risk Round-Up February 2025

We have started the year with a call for nominations of new buildings at risk.  Please send us photos and information about the historic buildings you know of that are standing empty and we will add them to our list of potential new additions.  This month, we highlight two that are for sale. We also have some positive updates emerging from Cornwall as we carry out our updates of entries in the South West and we have some updates on theatres on our register following the launch by the Theatres Trust of their updated register of Theatres at Risk.    

New year, new use, new life?

Every year we add over 100 buildings to our online at risk register.  We hear about these from our supporters and subscribers and welcome nominations at any time.  If you know of a disused historic building whether big or small, listed or unlisted, let us know.  To find out more about what we are looking for and how to nominate, read the short section on the Buildings at Risk section on our website here.  The register brings these building to wider attention and helps to make the case for their reuse. 

Updates from Cornwall

Former Fire Station, Redruth

This attractive former fire station is grade II listed, built in c1900 of Kilas rubble with granite dressings. The two gateways used by the fire engines are still the defining feature of the street façade together with its chamfered square tower, capped by a miniature lantern.  This extremely charming building is recognised as an important building in this central Redruth conservation area and is also within a World Heritage Site.

This building has been on our register since 1988 and the condition of the building caused concern even then. Drainage problems had caused saturation of stonework, which was beginning to crumble. Parts of the timber in the tower were also causing concern and the roofs at the rear of the building required attention. It was finallly sold by auction in 2018 and in 2021 permission to convert it into 3 dwellings was granted after one previous application was withdrawn.  We have now had confirmation that this work has been completed.  We'd love some "after shots" if you are passing!

Botallack Manor

In less positive news, we understand that there has still been no progress to bring grade II* Botallack Manor on the Tregothnan Estate, first added to our register in 2019, back into use. Built in 1665, Botallack Manor stands in a charming village on the Penwith Peninsula, West Cornwall. It is thought that parts of the structure have earlier origins. The house has spectacular views overlooking the Tin Coast, a seven-mile stretch of coastline with historical mining significance. Today the location is internationally recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the Botallack Mine and the Levant Mine & Beam Engine.

The manor later became famed as Nampara, during the 1970s BBC Poldark series; an adaptation of the English novelist Winston Graham’s historical books set in Cornwall. 

When we added it to the register, it appeared that a new life was round the corner with repairs promised by the estate.  Nothing substantive was achieved before COVID lockdown intervened but this now appears still to be the reason given for no progress having been made.  In 2022 the Cornish Buildings Group listed it in their Top 20 Endangered Buildings and an outbuilding was reported to have collapsed. Now three years later, it there has still not been any progress.  We have been in touch with the Council who are aware of the situation and working with Historic England to find a solution.

Theatres at Risk

The Theatres Trust launched their updated 2025 Theatres at Risk register on 28th January.  Among the 43 theatres on the list, there are 11 which are also on SAVE's register.  The Theatres Trust's list includes theatres which are in use and at risk for reasons other than being empty historic buildings and so does not cover the same ground as SAVE's.  It nevertheless makes for interesting reading and learning more about the work of the Theatres Trust is very worthwhile as they work closely with the buildings on their register to ensure they can remain open or find their way back to being in use.  This year they added 5 new theatres to their list and removed one, The Theatre Royal in Hyde, also on our register.  This theatre has been granted permission for conversion to a cultural centre but the works have not yet taken place.  We do not usually remove a building from our register until work is substantially complete or progressing well.