Buildings at Risk Study

Cheshire

Old Hall Hotel, Sandbach

This large, Grade I, 'black and white' timber-framed building dates from 1656, with a projecting wing built slightly later. There is a general deterioration of building, with a sagging roof and leaning walls, due to lack of maintenance and poorly executed repairs. There is a Sandbach Old Hall Action Group, which has been successful in lobbying for emergency works but does not have the resources to deliver a restoration project. Heritage Works Trustees agreed that this is a phenomenal building with excellent redevelopment potential. In more normal market conditions this would be a private sector project but in the current climate Heritage Works could be the developer on a quasi-commercial basis.

Bewsey Old Hall, Burtonwood, nr Warrington

This Grade II* Hall dates from the 16th, 17th, 19th and 20th centuries. The present building is a fragment of the former Hall, of which archaeological and documentary evidence extends to the 13th century. The building condition is fair, but it is at risk due to an extended period of vacancy and has suffered from vandalism and removal of fabric. There is no approved scheme for restoration in place, although a planning inquiry is scheduled for May 2009. The moated Hall, set within Sankey Valley Park, has recently become incorporated into an improvement scheme for the park. The Trust considers it an interesting time to contribute to regeneration in the locality and believes there is huge potential for educational engagement through this project.

Greater Manchester

Swan Lane Mill Number Three, Bolton, Greater Manchester

This Grade II* cotton mill, dated 1914, is constructed of brick with stone dressings and a multi-ridge slate roof, with an internal construction of cast-iron, steel and concrete. With a huge internal area, six storeys plus a double attic, the mill is only partly occupied and not fully maintained. The mill's condition is poor and it is suffering slow decay.

Tonge Hall, Middleton, nr Rochdale

This Grade II* house dates from the 1580s with C18 and C19 alterations. Ravaged by fire in 2007, the building is falling in on itself, with no roof, missing walls and floors and a leaning chimney stack. The Local Planning Authority is investigating urgent repair options. As a project, this building has excellent education potential. There is local interest in seeing the future of the building safeguarded and potential for gaining public support. (It is understood that Heritage Trust for the North West may be undertaking options appraisal work here, so this project is no longer a priority for Heritage Works.)

Former Public Baths, Collier Street, Salford

Dated 1855, the Grade II* former public baths is Salford's only listed building on the national register. Although in poor condition and with no future re-use currently proposed, regeneration is in progress in the area. Alongside significant new-build development, public realm improvements include a proposed new roadway from the former Market Place at Greengate and Gravel Lane to the front main entrance of Collier Street Baths. Over the last 15 years the building condition has been monitored and negotiations with the owners have been conducted involving English Heritage and local authority professionals. Development proposals for the baths have not been forthcoming, on account of the current economic climate. Trustees agreed that this is an important building for Salford and a buildings preservation trust partnership may safeguard its future.

Houldsworth Mill Engine House, Reddish, Stockport

The Grade II* cotton spinning mill dates from 1865 with a tall octagonal stack and original engine house in the centre to the rear.
The engine house is not weathertight and badly needs protecting from pigeons. A condition survey has been produced highlighting that significant works are needed to restore the building and bring it back into use. A Conservation Management Plan and Historic Building Assessment were produced to inform future proposals.
Stockport Council has worked with the Reddish Building Preservation Trust to identify viable options. Reddish BPT would welcome the involvement of Heritage Works to progress the project.

Hugh Mason Hall (former Public Baths), Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside

This Grade II* former municipal swimming baths, built 1870-1, is now derelict but has been purchased by a developer for commercial use. It is situated in the St Petersfield conservation area which is undergoing development. Enveloping works have been completed to weatherproof the building - however there has been a lack of progress, due to the current economic climate. Heritage Works would like to explore whether the Trust's involvement could be of assistance.

Hyde Hall, Denton, Tameside

This is a Grade II*, late 16th century farmhouse. The building is in poor condition - the roof leaks and the timber frame is deteriorating - and the local authority is concerned that part of the building is in danger of collapse. The local authority and English Heritage continue to work with owners to agree a solution. There may be a role for Heritage Works in the future.

Leigh Spinners Mill, Leigh, Wigan

A Grade II* double cotton mill, built in 1923 and situated in a conservation area. There is a large steam engine in situ. Upper sections of the chimney have been repointed, but roofs of the mill are still in need of repair. It is mainly at risk due to problematic access - there is only a very narrow single emergency access past residential areas. Due to the lack of previous study into potential re-use, this is an obvious candidate for an options study.

Merseyside

Laundry and Laundry Cottage at Croxteth Hall, Liverpool

This property is a Grade II* Laundry and Laundry Cottage built between 1864-5. The building is tucked away in Croxteth Park, which is located near residential areas. It is owned by Liverpool City Council but leased to Croxteth Hall Trust. The local area has a mix of council housing and new build, and appears relatively deprived. There is potential to create links with Glendale and Myerscough College (already based in the Park) for agriculture/horticulture use. The empty building is in poor condition and at risk due to lack of use and weather ingress. Some local authority works have been conducted to stabilise its condition. It may be possible to develop this building as an attraction as part of the Croxteth Hall estate, or market it as commercial premises, workingin partnership with Liverpool City Council and the Croxteth Hall Trust.

Sugar Silo, North Docks, Liverpool

This iconic concrete structure is a Sugar Silo built 1955-57 to a design of Tate & Lyle's Engineering Department. It is in fair condition but there is concern that the building may be at risk of structural deterioration and may further deteriorate through under-use. Situated within the Liverpool North Docks area - an economically and socially deprived area - it is subject to an emerging area-based regeneration strategy.

The Trust considered the Sugar Silo as the most attractive project to take forward initially, due to the likely availability of match funding and the size of the challenge. It is difficult to determine a use for this building due to its location and size, but there may be potential for a scheme which is in keeping with the industrial North dock area and its significance as a cultural/social icon. The building could be used for more of the existing dock-related storage, but the building has also been used as a one-off concert/events venue. Other suggestions include a training/skills centre, industrial use, car sales showroom or multi-use.

Ince Blundell Old Hall, Ince Blundell, Merseyside

The building dates to c.1590-1620. Currently used for storage, it is in poor condition and is at immediate risk of further rapid deterioration. It is owned by the Augustinian Sisters, who are keen to ensure that any future use would not adversely affect the running of the Hospital on the Estate. Financial resources are prioritised elsewhere but an in-house feasibility study is underway and they have plans for new uses, although no firm development proposals are yet in place. Heritage Works could offer support in an advisory capacity.