Nearly 30 Bradford sites on Heritage at Risk Register

More than 100 buildings and sites across the country were added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register for 2023.

The register shows there were 26 historic sites in Bradford listed 'at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate development' as of November 2023, when records were last updated.

These included 12 listed buildings, two monuments, one park and 11 conservation areas.

Eight historic sites were determined to be in a 'very bad' condition.

These are Great Horton, North Park Road, St Paul, Thornton, Low Mills building, Dalton Mills, The Goitside, and Idle and The Green.

There were no Bradford historic sites added to the register last year - but none were removed either.

A fire ripped through Dalton Mills back in 2022

Bradford Council said it knows finding new uses for old buildings is a "complex task" but it is "a challenge we embrace".

A spokesperson said that the council will work with the owners of the sites to "secure sympathetic and sustainable solutions to restore and bring these buildings back to use for future generations".

Historic England said the programme shines a light on historic sites most in need and has brought local people together in caring for and enjoying their heritage.

Matthew Mckeague, chief executive of the Architectural Heritage Fund, said: “We have worked with hundreds of community-led schemes to rescue and reuse historic buildings, including many on the at-risk register.

“These projects might be about bringing a redundant lido back into use or turning an old bank building into affordable housing or a former church into a new workspace – each is about saving a piece of vital local heritage and giving it a sustainable future use.”

Liz Fuller, buildings at risk officer at SAVE Britain's Heritage, said: “It is vitally important to monitor and find new uses for historic buildings which are being neglected as they can deteriorate in condition very quickly.

“The worse the condition of the building, the more expensive it will be to bring them back into use. Our historic buildings are a national resource and bring character and interest to our streets.”

Historic England said around 6,800 historic sites have been rescued over the past 25 years – equivalent to around three-quarters of the entries on the original register from 1998.

Chief executive Duncan Wilson added: “Protecting our heritage is so important.

“The Heritage at Risk programme shines a light on our historic sites most in need and can help to attract funding and help.

“After a quarter of a century of the Heritage at Risk Register, we are celebrating how many places have been saved and continue to find new ways to involve local people in caring for and enjoying their heritage.”

What has Bradford Council said?

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “The council welcomes this initiative which raises the profile of important heritage and historic sites across the country.

"Bradford, with its rich heritage, is indeed blessed with one of the largest concentrations of listed buildings and over 50 conservation areas.

“While there are no new additions to the register this year, we acknowledge the challenges posed by the conservation areas and listed buildings at risk.

"We recognise the importance of preserving our heritage and work with the owners of heritage assets identified as at risk to secure sympathetic and sustainable solutions to restore and bring these buildings back to use for future generations.

They added: “Bradford's Regeneration Programme emphasises our heritage as a unique strength.

"We understand that finding new uses for old buildings is a complex task, but it is a challenge we embrace.

"Success stories like Salts Mill and St George’s Hall showcase the incredible potential of revitalising historic structures.

"The council has actively supported the restoration of various buildings, including South Square in Thornton, Conditioning House in the city centre, and initiatives like the Townscape Heritage Initiative in the Top of Town.

"Currently, we are in collaboration with Historic England to develop a Heritage Action Zone.

“We stand ready to support and advise building owners who express interest in restoring their properties.

"Our commitment is not just to preserve the past but to ensure our heritage continues to be a source of pride and inspiration for our community.”