London has 604 sites at risk, says heritage body

The number of at risk sites in London listed by Historic England has remained almost the same at 604, after 20 were saved and 21 new ones were added, after being identified as needing restoration.

New at risk sites include Hampstead Heath's Hill Garden Pergola and the conservatory at Chiswick House.

The once derelict Bruce Grove public toilets, in Tottenham, north London, and Upminster Tithe Barn, in east London, are among those brought back into use by the public body and taken off the register.

It said heritage was vital and gave meaning to places, adding: "When it's not looked after and used, communities feel a sense of decline."

In the last financial year it spent £782,000 in grants for support and repairs to sites in London.

It has now published its 2025 list of sites at risk. Among them are:

• The Moated manor of Edward III, in Rotherhithe, south London
• Crystal Palace low level railway station, south London
• Hampstead Heath's Hill Garden Pergola, in Camden, north London
• The conservatory at Chiswick House, in Hounslow, west London
• Our Ladye Star of the Sea Catholic church, in Greenwich, south-east London.

Historic England said it wanted see at risk buildings in productive use and contributing to local economies.

Among those rescued this year were:

• The Grade ll-listed Leaning Woman statue, in Hammersmith, west London
• A former post office, in Kingston, south-west London
• Almshouses in Wood Green, north London
• Public toilets in Tottenham, north London
• Six tombs in St Margaret's old churchyard, in Lewisham, southeast London.

Historic England's joint chief executives, Claudia Kenyatta and Emma Squire, said in a joint statement: "The best way to protect our buildings is to reuse them, turning them into places of local connection and joy.

"The sites that have been saved and have come off the register this year really highlight the benefits of working together in partnership, and with communities, to create positive, sustainable change.

"Together we can safeguard our heritage for future generations."

The UK government's heritage minister, Baroness Twycross, said: "It is fantastic to see so many historical sites saved for communities up and down the country.

"These are much loved places and it is great to see them being brought back in to use."

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