Heritage at Risk Register 2022: List of buildings saved and at risk in Bristol - including Church of St Peter

Historic England has published its annual Heritage at Risk Register for 2022 which highlights all the buildings that have been saved and are at risk across the country. This includes a total of 410 across the South West of England alone, as well as a number in Bristol.

The results give a snapshot of the critical health of England’s most valued historic places. Over the course of the year, a number of iconic buildings have seen conditions deteriorate to such an extent that they have been put on the list. This means the buildings could be  deemed unsafe and need to be demolished.

In the past, some at-risk buildings in and around Bristol have been saved.These buildings were significantly restored which ultimately secured their places as local assets to the region.

This has been achieved through a number of significant factors collaborating together. The likes of heritage partners, dedicated teams of volunteers, community groups, owners, charities and councils have worked with Historic England to secure the buildings.

Duncan Wilson, who is the Chief Executive of Historic England, explains: “As the threat of climate change grows, the reuse and sensitive upgrading of historic buildings and places becomes ever more important. Finding new uses for buildings and sites rescued from the register avoids the high carbon emissions associated with demolishing structures and building new.”

The buildings that have been saved in Bristol

There have been several buildings saved in and around the Bristol region, as revealed by the Heritage at Risk Register for 2022. The highlights are as follows:

Roman Catholic Church of St Bernadette

• Where: 731 Wells Road, Bristol - BS14 8HU

Designed in 1967, the Roman Catholic Church of St Bernadette on Wells Road was first added to the register in 2018. The building was damaged by water getting inside through the roof coverings, which affected the ceiling and roof structure. Through the work of the community in 2021, having raised £1 million to meet the cost with support of the Diocese of Clifton, the building has now been saved.

Church of St Peter

• Where: Castle Park, Bristol - BS1 3XB

This 15th-century building has been ruined since it suffered bomb damage from the Second World War. Since then, it has been left to its own devices and has acted as a monument to all the Bristolians who lost their lives during the conflict. Over time, the church has suffered water and fire damage and as a result it was placed on the register in 2019. After Historic England granted funding, repairs have been completed that have saved the structure.

There are a number of other buildings that have been saved across the South West and the rest of England. To view a full list and access the interactive map, visit the Historic England website.

The buildings that are now at risk in Bristol

There have been several buildings that are at risk and have been added to the Heritage at Risk Register for 2022. The highlights are as follows:

Kingsley Hall

• Where: 59 Old Market Street, Old Market, Bristol

Initially constructed for the purpose of a house in 1709, Kingsley Hall is a Grade II listed building that later became a base for political parties in the early 20th century. It has since been used as a headquarters for a youth homelessness charity 1625 Independent People. A project to repair the structure’s roof and external fabric to make it more sustainable for long-term use has been started.

Other buildings at risk in Bristol include:

• Church of All Hallows: All Hallows Road, Easton Bristol - BS5 0HL
• Swing Bridge over North Entrance lock: Hotwells and Harbourside, Bristol
• Stair Turret : Inns Court Vicarage, Inns Court Green, Cumberland Basin, Bristol
• Church of St Mary The Virgin: Church Close, Bristol
• St Pauls: 31 and 32 Portland Square, Bristol

To view a full list of all the buildings at risk in the South West and the rest of the entire country, visit the Historic England website. This can be found via an interactive map.