The catalogue features a diverse range of buildings. Any building can qualify, so long as it is curious, interesting, unloved and crying out for a new owner or new use. Many of the featured buildings cannot always be found on the books of estate agents and come from local authorities or local contacts which are keen to help towards a solution. Persistence, resourcefulness and diplomacy will be required in order to get hold of these properties but, over two decades, SAVE has seen an impressive number of successful rescues.
This year’s report, Live or Let Die, lifts the veil on over a hundred alluring properties. Remote farmhouses and grand crumbling country mansions vie for attention with Georgian townhouses, mills, redundant churches, town halls, schools, libraries and even post offices in what is a surprisingly diverse selection. Some of the featured buildings have been empty for years others whilst others are newly abandoned as the result of the recession.
Live or Let Die is more than just an illustrated list, it also features reports on successful restorations; scandalous demolitions; pubs at risk and sections looking at individual towns such as Doncaster and Reading. For the first time, this year’s report looks at examples of buildings at risk in Scotland and London - areas not covered in the full list.
The register continues to perform vital work as the only national source of information on Grade II listed and unlisted buildings at risk from all around England and Wales. Access to the online register (featuring over 1,000 properties) costs £25 for a year’s subscription. To become a Friend of SAVE or to order Live or Let Die contact the SAVE office directly. Live or Let Die is £15 or £13 for Friends.
A selection of five buildings at risk from Live or Let Die can be viewed in advance on the SAVE website.
They are: Brandauer Works, Birmingham, Presbyterian Church, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, Mill House, Gedney, Lincolnshire, March Cottage, Marshway, Curry Mallet, Somerset and the Old Gas Works, School Lane, Sudbury, Derbyshire.
Brandauer Works, 401/414 New John Street West, Birmingham
(Fig 1)
The Brandauer factory in Aston, Birmingham, with its sublime red-brick elevation, was built c.1850 and extended in various phases throughout the 19th century. The additions of 1898 are by the Birmingham architect John Henry Hawkes. C Brandauer & Co. Ltd manufactured steel pen nibs and exported them across the globe.
The factory was sold to developers in 2000 and the hope was for it to be converted either to student accommodation - it is near several universities - or to a hotel (for which permission, now lapsed, was granted in 2003). Nothing has happened since and this beautiful building now lies vacant and derelict.
In 2012 C Brandauer & Co. Ltd will celebrate its 150th anniversary and it is hoped that by then some kind of viable future can be found for its historic headquarters - which remains one of Birmingham’s most impressive industrial buildings. The building is now back on the market - at 33,000 sq ft its potential is huge - it simply requires an owner with determination, vision and funds.
Presbyterian Church, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
(Fig 2)
Fires in 2005 and 2007 severely damaged this Presbyterian church and there is a pending application for its demolition. It was built in1873-75 in Romanesque style to designs by the renowned church architects E G Paley and H J Austin. Its striking appearance is enhanced by the contrast of colours between the pale rock-faced limestone and red sandstone dressings.
The church was declared redundant in the 1970s and it was then used for storage. Sadly, much of the interior, including the roof, windows and decorative finishes was seriously damaged or lost as a result of the two fires. However, it still stands out as a building of exceptional quality - and is a prominent local landmark in this residential part of Barrow-in-Furness.
As the shell of the building is sound there are many possibilities for an imaginative conversion. The current owner applied, unsuccessfully, for the building to be delisted in 2007. SAVE hopes that the current application will be refused and the building released on the open market.
Mill House, Gedney, Lincolnshire
(Fig 3)
This early 19th-century listed Mill House in the Lincolnshire village of Gedney has been empty for the last 20 years and is now in a parlous state. It stands in a large walled garden and beside it are stable blocks, a blacksmith’s forge, cart hovels and a windmill complete with internal workings. It is currently for sale (on its own or with outbuildings) and is a perfect project for someone looking to restore a historic house in a quiet village.
The house is on the Council’s at risk register and parts of the roof and first floor have collapsed. Extensive restoration would be required but it is not beyond repair!
No current planning permission is in place as yet, but residential conversion of the outbuildings could fund the restoration of the house and the mill. There is a possibility of applying for a listing upgrade on the mill tower to Grade II* which would make it eligible to apply for an English Heritage grant.
March Cottage, Marshway, Curry Mallet, Taunton, Somerset
(Fig 4)
Picture postcard pretty, this thatched roughcast cottage dates from the 18th century. The rustic porch with thatched ‘bonnet’ hood adds to its appeal and inside there is a small fireplace with a low wooden beam.
The cottage has been empty and neglected for several years and is surrounded by overgrowth. Recently a chimney collapsed and the roof is only partially protected with a tarpaulin. A rescuer is urgently needed - and this charming house would be perfect for someone looking to live the English country dream in a traditional country cottage.
The council is taking action to prevent further deterioration of the cottage and is considering more drastic measures if urgent works are not carried out. In the meantime, it would like to hear from anyone who might be an interested buyer. The cottage comes with a good-sized garden.
Curry Mallet is a delightful Somerset village on the River Fivehead and has wonderful views over open countryside. The local manor is on the site of a Saxon stronghold and i
s said to have been visited by key figures in English history including William the Conqueror, King John and Henry II.
The Old Gas Works, School Lane, Sudbury, Derbyshire
(Fig 5)
The Old Gas Works was built in 1874 by George Devey, a prolific architect who undertook a series of commissions for the 6th Lord Vernon of Sudbury Hall (now owned by the National Trust).
It was built as a gas works but designed to resemble a folly to complement the existing estate buildings. It is of red brick with orange diaper work with Dutch gables and a tall chimney. It has an unusual metal roof structure (as a safeguard against fire). Following use as a gas works it became a blacksmith’s shop but has been vacant since.
Lack of maintenance and repair has left the building in poor condition and there is a large hole in the roof. It is Grade II listed and on the council’s own buildings at risk list. The council has written to the owners to express its concern and has urged them to sell the building - so far they have declined. If repair work is not forthcoming, the council will consider using its statutory enforcement powers.
With a bit of imagination, this charming little structure could be brought back into use - perhaps as a shop, small museum or office (subject to planning).
