Two historic buildings in the South West have been added to Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register, while two other sites have been removed after restoration work.
Dursley Town Hall and Bristol Exchange at risk
Dursley Town Hall, built in 1738, has been added to the register due to problems with its roof, dormers and rainwater systems. The Grade II* listed building, first listed in 1952, has an open-market area at ground level with the town hall above. It is currently used as a community hub with rooms available for hire, and remains an "important landmark" in Dursley's Market Place, according to Historic England.
John Rubin, vice chair of Town Trust Committee, said: "This status helps raise awareness, attract funding, and encourage community involvement to ensure the building’s architectural and cultural significance is protected for future generations."
Bristol's historic Exchange building, designed by architect John Wood the Elder and built between 1741 and 1743, has also been named on the register. The Grade I building, first listed in 1959, was designed around a central courtyard where merchants could meet and conduct business. In 1872, the courtyard was covered with a roof, creating the market space that now forms part of the wider St Nick's Market complex. It has been added because repairs are needed to keep the building in good condition.
Positive news for Jenner Hut and Newlyn Harbour
Councillor Andrew Brown, chair of the economy and skills committee, said the Exchange's inclusion on the register was a "recognised route" to securing the investment needed to safeguard its future. He said: "While the designation highlights the challenges facing The Exchange, we see this as a positive step that will help strengthen the case for investment to support the market and bring underutilised areas of the building into regular use, enhancing its role at the heart of the Old City."
In more positive news, Jenner Hut in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, has been removed from the register. The historic former summerhouse is where Dr Edward Jenner conducted smallpox vaccine trials in 1796. Also known as the Temple of Vaccinia, it was added to the at-risk register last year, but funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has enabled works to be completed, meaning it is now saved.
James Rodliff, museum director at Dr Jenner's House and Museum, said: "Seeing the Temple of Vaccinia removed from the Heritage at Risk Register is a proud moment for our small museum. Its restoration has been a collective effort, bringing together our staff, volunteers and trustees with skilled craftspeople, specialist advisers and generous supporters. Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players, we have repaired this remarkable building, improved access and created new ways to share Jenner’s story. We are grateful to everyone who has contributed their time, expertise and enthusiasm. This is an important step in our wider work to secure the museum’s future."
The historic Newlyn Harbour in Cornwall has also been saved. There has been a jetty or quay at Newlyn for at least 700 years, but it became one of Cornwall's most important fishing ports during the 19th century, particularly through the pilchard industry. The harbour was expanded with new piers in the 1880s and 1890s, leaving the ancient quay sheltered but neglected. A major restoration project, supported by Historic England's Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, has helped conserve the harbour, with local specialists and the community restoring its granite structures and 19th-century wrought iron railings.
Paul Durkin, chairman of Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commissioners, said: "We are delighted to see the Old Harbour removed from the Heritage at Risk Register. Historic England's funding and expertise, together with the work of local specialists and our community, led by Harbour Commissioner Nick Howell, have given the Old Harbour a future as well as a past. Historic vessels and community groups are already full of ideas for events, and we look forward to welcoming people back to where it all started."
Heritage minister Baroness Twycross said it was "fantastic" to see Newlyn Harbour removed from the list. "Every part of the UK is bursting with history, so it is vital we protect the heritage sites at the heart of communities which help tell the stories of our nation," she added.
