Our volunteer Heritage Watch Group has continued to meet regularly, pausing briefly over the summer with a short break in August. We currently have 92 buildings and structures on the watch list, including 15 in urgent need of attention. These assets are considered to be at very high risk of irreversible damage or permanent loss. A further 77 buildings are considered at risk due to neglect or vulnerability arising from vacancy.
Alongside maintaining and updating the Heritage at Risk list, members have played an important role this year in raising awareness of vulnerable heritage assets through regular social media features. These updates have been well received, and we look forward to bringing you more content on Heritage at Risk in the coming months.
Fire risk and vacant buildings
Recent incidents at St Ann’s Mill and Moorfield House serve as a reminder of the particular risks faced by vacant historic buildings. Once a building becomes unoccupied, it is often more vulnerable to fire, vandalism and unauthorised access, with even a relatively small incident having the potential to cause significant and irreversible damage to historic fabric.
Regular maintenance, security measures and the prompt identification of viable new uses remain critical to safeguarding our heritage assets and preventing further losses. Our Heritage Watch Group seeks to promote the benefits of early intervention and increase public awareness of the condition of heritage assets on our watch list.
Stable block to former Horsforth Hall – new entry (at risk)
We were recently contacted by the Mathieson Group, part of the Friends of Horsforth Hall Park, regarding the future of the Grade II listed former stable block in Horsforth Hall Park (List Entry Number 1261240). Following a review by our Heritage Watch Group members, the building has been added to the at risk section of our watch list.
Although the building currently remains in use by Leeds City Council’s Parks & Countryside Team, it is understood to be in a poor state of repair. The group has an ambitious vision to restore the building for community benefit, promoting wellbeing, health and sustainable use, and has secured Heritage Fund support for a £10,000 feasibility study. Progress will, however, depend largely on the successful transfer of the building from Leeds City Council to the community through a Community Asset Transfer.
Our Heritage Watch Group hopes to support the Mathieson Group and the Friends of Horsforth Hall Park in their efforts to secure the future of this listed building.
Working Together to Tackle Heritage at Risk
Our positive working relationships with officers across Leeds City Council continue to play an important role in our Heritage at Risk work. We were therefore pleased to meet recently with Mark Mills, Chief Officer for Asset Management and Regeneration, and Jonathan Dunk, Head of Asset Management, to discuss a number of heritage assets currently included on our Heritage at Risk list and held in council ownership.
The meeting, attended by Heritage Watch Group Chair Clare Chapman and Leeds Civic Trust Director Martin Hamilton, provided a valuable opportunity to share information, discuss current challenges and explore opportunities to secure positive outcomes for some of the city’s most vulnerable historic buildings. We were encouraged by the constructive and open nature of the discussion and look forward to building on this positive engagement with the Council as work continues to secure the future of some of Leeds’ most vulnerable heritage assets.
Want to know more?
For those interested in learning more, an up-to-date copy of the Heritage at Risk List is available on our website. As ever, we would be pleased to hear from members who have questions about, or concerns regarding, any historic building or structure in their local area.
Clare Chapman – Heritage Watch Group Chair & Trustee
