Victorian Society erects Top 10 ‘hit list’ to save crumbling architectural gems

Nominations are open for a Top Ten hit list of Victorian and Edwardian buildings most at risk from the bulldozer, neglect or bad redevelopment.

Lost... Bonner Primary being demolished in 2008 - Credit: Archant

Among them is the crumbling Haggerston public baths in East London, which has been empty and derelict for nearly 30 years.

Saved... Limehouse Old Town Hall in Commercial Road - Credit: Archant

The late-Victorian building next to the Regent’s Canal is on the Victorian Society’s “danger list”.

The society is inviting organisations, campaign groups and members of the public to identify buildings at risk, to be shortlisted for its Top Ten nominations to help save them.

“There are wonderful examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture which sadly are no match for neglect or poor planning,” the society’s Chris Costelloe said. “We want to make sure the best examples are still there for future generations.”

But its campaigns are not always successful, like Bethnal Green’s unique Victorian Bonner Primary School bulldozed in 2008 by Tower Hamlets council to make way for a car-park—despite protests from the society and campaigners in the East End.

Its success stories, however, have included campaigns which have saved both Limehouse and Shoreditch town halls.

Now the Victorian Society is appealing to the public to identify any outstanding structure built between 1837 and 1914 that is at risk or crumbling through neglect. Nominations close July 4, the hit list to be revealed in October.