English Heritage (EH) has called on the property industry to help it save over 1,500 listed buildings from destruction.
Speaking at the launch of its “Buildings at Risk” register yesterday, EH chief executive Dr Simon Thurley said: “Repairing and finding new uses for historic buildings in the heart of a community creates local identity, safeguards jobs and housing, boosts local economies and tourism, improves quality of life and protects green-field sites from the need for development.”
He added that EH did not have the resources to take the 1,542 properties, which include Brighton West Pier, Durham Castle, St Pancras Chambers in London and the Gorilla House at London Zoo, and would need the help of developers.
“English Heritage has spent £22m in the last five years on buildings at risk, but would need £400m to save the lot,” he said
The Prince of Wales has also called for dilapidated old buildings to be brought back into use.
He urged local communities to rescue historic buildings during a visit yesterday to Wapping hydraulic power station, which has been converted into an art gallery and restaurant.
EGi News 10/07/02
