Nine North East Buildings Added to SAVE Buildings at Risk Register
Nine North East buildings have been added to the SAVE Buildings at Risk Register, updated on Wednesday, July 1. Across the UK, 208 buildings were added, bringing the total to approximately 1,500. The most prominent local addition is Sunderland's National Glass Centre, alongside the Grade-II listed Ridley Hall and Jesmond Dene Banqueting Hall, which was named one of the ten most endangered buildings in the UK in 2024.
Context and Importance of the Register
Henrietta Billings, director of SAVE, emphasized the register's significance: "At a time when local authority budgets are increasingly under pressure, and construction costs are going up, there has never been a more important time to publish this snapshot of threatened buildings across the UK. These places are central to the identity and character of places we love. Instead of lying empty and neglected, they should be repurposed and contributing to good growth now and for future generations."
The new entries were nominated by conservation professionals, local authorities, and the public. SAVE's heritage engagement manager, Amy Popham, stated: "As the record number of nominations we've received this year demonstrate, these buildings are held in huge affection by the people whose lives they enhance. They believe these buildings are worth fighting for and so do we. By highlighting these terrific local landmarks we hope people will come forward with creative ideas for their future. Buildings like these are what make our towns and villages unique and reusing them is a great starting place for breathing new life into entire communities."
Notable Buildings on the List
National Glass Centre, Sunderland
The most significant building on the list, the National Glass Centre is set to close at the end of the month. Campaign group Save the National Glass Centre continues to hope for its preservation despite the University of Sunderland's plans to close and demolish it. The university previously stated that required works would cost between £14 million and £45 million, and no feasible plan has been presented. The university says it follows all planning rules and guidelines.
Jesmond Dene Banqueting Hall
Commissioned by William Armstrong for entertaining his Elswick Works employees, the hall and land were gifted to Newcastle in 1883. Despite gaining listed status in 1965, the roof was removed by Newcastle City Council in 1977. Part of the site has been an artists' studio for over 40 years; restoration is underway by the Armstrong Project.
Ridley Hall, Bardon Mill
This historic Grade-II listed country house dates to the 18th century. SAVE notes: "We understand from the council that the building has now been vacant for a number of years and its condition is sadly deteriorating."
Former St George's Hospital, Morpeth
Dating to 1859, it is one of the last county asylums built under the 1845 Lunacy Act. SAVE says the site is at risk due to prolonged vacancy and partial dereliction.
Blyth Rocket House
This Grade-II listed building, built in 1880, housed Victorian sea rescue equipment. Privately owned, it was last sold in 2022 for £50,000. SAVE suggests potential conversion to a dwelling.
Boat House, Chipchase Castle
A late 18th-century Gothic-style boathouse near Wark, empty and derelict since 1985.
Former Allendale First School
Built in 1881 to accommodate 200 students, it closed in August 2013. A November 2025 planning application to convert it into five homes is pending.
Regent Cinema, South Shields
Opened in 1935 in neo-classical style, it was bombed in WWII but repaired. It closed in 1966 after showing Cliff Richard's Summer Holiday. Plans for residential and commercial conversion were refused; South Tyneside Council bought it in 2019 with demolition plans, but community objections have kept it standing and vacant.
Third Street Cottages, Peterlee
Built for miners in the early 20th century, some sold for as little as £1 after the colliery closed in 1987. The Horden Masterplan would demolish 53 homes on Third and Fourth Street to build 52 new houses.
