SAVE Britain's Heritage has added 14 Welsh properties to its annual register of the UK's most endangered buildings, highlighting structures ranging from a Victorian brewery to a former Co-op store last used as a cannabis factory. The list, now in its 37th year, includes two cinemas, a cottage, industrial buildings, a pub, a seaside villa, an educational building in Cardiff, and a chapel.
Former Brewery in Blaenavon
Westlake's former Cwmavon Brewery, built around 1900 within the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site, is described by Cadw as a 'scarce surviving example of a grand Victorian brewery in Wales'. Designed by George Adlam and Sons of Bristol, the brewery ceased operations in 1928 after a decline in the 1920s. It later served as a plastics factory but has been empty since 1993. A catastrophic fire in 2012 gutted the structure, and despite approved restoration plans in 2019, no work was carried out. The building has recently been sold to a new owner who has applied to renew planning permission.
Co-op Store in Pontypool
The art deco Co-op building on Commercial Street, Pontypool, dates from around 1938 and is Grade II listed for its Egyptian detailing. After the Co-op closed, it operated as a discount retailer and furniture outlet before being abandoned. In 2020, an illegal cannabis cultivation operation was discovered inside. Planning consent for redevelopment was granted in 2022, and the property was sold in 2025, but no progress has been made.
Cinemas in Swansea and Llanelli
The former Elysium Cinema in Swansea, opened in 1914, is a fine example of Edwardian Baroque style. It closed as a cinema in 1960, became a bingo hall until the 1990s, and has been sealed off since. A 2009 canopy collapse injured a passer-by, sparking debate over demolition, but the building still stands empty. In Llanelli, the former Odeon cinema (Theatre Elli), an Art Deco design by Harry Weedon, opened in 1938. It closed in 2012 and was sold in 2014 for £130,000. An ambitious restoration scheme stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of funding.
Victorian Villa in Penarth
Normandy House, a once-grand Victorian villa near the Penarth promenade, has been derelict for decades. Earlier approvals for conversion into apartments were never completed. A 2025 planning application (reference 2025/00343/CAC) proposes significant demolition for residential conversion and remains undecided.
Pub in Aberdulais
Dulais Rock, an unlisted former pub, closed in 2008. It features later extensions including a gated porch dated 1658. Located near Aberdulais Falls, it has potential for reuse as a pub, café, or residential property.
School in Wrexham
Grove Park School has been empty since 2003. The site is publicly owned with a covenant requiring educational use. After the council sought demolition, Cadw granted Grade II listed status in 2016, and the council withdrew plans. A community campaign continues to preserve the building.
Church in Pontypool
St James' Church, built in 1820 and transformed into a Victorian Gothic Revival structure, has been empty for 25 years. The UK Government has allocated £7.6 million towards the £9.3 million Pontypool Cultural Hub and Café Quarter scheme, which includes converting the church into a café and cultural venue. Planning permission was granted in 2023, but development has stalled.
Cottage in Brynteg
Cambrian House, a sandstone and slate property originally a single Georgian dwelling later divided into three cottages, faced a rejected demolition application in 2025. It was listed for auction in April 2026 but remained unsold, still retaining original features.
The Parade in Cardiff
Number 28, The Parade, a Jacobean Revival structure likely designed by W. G. Habershon, has served as a family home, part of Cardiff High School for Girls, and the Parade Community Education Centre. It remains under council ownership with a covenant restricting use to education. The building is empty and at risk.
Georgian Mansion in Blaenavon
The Beeches (Ty Mawr), a Grade II listed mansion built around 1800, has been a hunting lodge, medical aid society headquarters, and care home. It closed in 2006 and has severely deteriorated. A 2022 bid for Levelling Up Fund redevelopment as a luxury hotel failed, and the building risks collapse before its 230th anniversary in 2028.
Chapels in Llanelli
Park Congregational Chapel, built mid-19th century, was converted into a furniture store in 2005, abandoned in 2010, and damaged by fire in 2015. The Sunday School is also deteriorating. Calfaria Chapel, designed by George Morgan in Lombardic style, seated 870 and had a Sunday School for 500. Planning permission for conversion to flats has not been implemented.
Pump House in Pontypool
The British Ironworks Colliery Pumping House, built in 1845, is a Grade II listed Cornish engine house. It is severely deteriorated, and Torfaen Borough Council's £4.6 million safety scheme for the 1,300-acre site, due to start in early 2026, does not include the pump house.
SAVE Britain's Heritage accepts nominations year-round and seeks volunteer photographers. Contact Amy Popham at amy.popham@savebritainsheritage.org for engagement.
