Our buildings at risk 2011

There are 15 listed buildings on Brighton & Hove Council’s newly released at risk register for 2011.

Heading the register is the iconic ruin of the West Pier, which local developer Mike Holland now says he wishes to replace in a £25 million project.

The Hippodrome in West Street, nominated last year by the Theatres Trust as the most vulnerable theatre in the country, has been empty since 2007. It began life in 1897 as an ice rink before becoming a dual purpose variety venue and theatre, then, inevitably, a bingo hall, but has been vacant since 2007. Its most notable feature is the decorative tented ceiling, with Baroque decorations.


Left, the Hippodrome; right, the Astoria

The 18th century Stanmer House stables at Stanmer Park are noted as being in poor condition and plans to convert them to residential use were withdrawn last year after concerns were raised by the South Downs National Park authority.

Saltdean Lido is luckier, in that it has a committed local campaign group behind it, but is in such poor condition that English Heritage recently put it on the national register of buildings at risk. The council is now in talks with the leaseholder of the Grade II* complex who, according to the Argus, has said he may think about surrendering the 125-year lease.

“These are outstanding buildings but we shouldn’t forget the importance of less easily identifiable structures such as 53 Brunswick Square, which is high on the new at risk list,” says Society chair Mary McKean.

“There are four new cases of buildings of historic significance listed as in need of maintenance, in the more intimate domestic contexts of Charles Street, Montague Street, Montpelier Road and Powis Square, for example.

Left, Brunswick Square; right, symbol of the local campaign

"These can easily degenerate unless we all learn to look after and respect our heritage.”

The Society has also expressed concern about other buildings that the council considers vulnerable, among them Marlborough House in Old Steine and many of the city’s churches – Holy Trinity in Blatchington Road and St Augustine’s in Stanford Avenue are also noted in the new register.

“There are many more churches across the city that will need new uses,” adds Mary.

And there have been losses in the past year. The Astoria, built as what was then known as a Super Cinema in 1933, with a lavish Art Deco interior, tea room, restaurant and full stage facilities, showed its last film – A Star is Born – in 1976 and became a bingo hall, which closed in 1996. It is now scheduled for demolition.

Brighton & Hove Council has reduced the number of listed buildings at risk from 22 in 2008 and is now in the top 20 per cent of councils across the country for the number of notices served on owners.

• See how the owners of the Brighton Ballrooms in Kemp Town – better known as the old Hanbury Arms and Sassoon Mausoleum – are approaching the task of making a historic structure pay its way in the 21st century.

• You can download a full list of buildings at risk 2011 here.


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