News / Heritage
Corner of Georgian square remains on Historic England’s At Risk Register
While all around it is changing, with former squats being turned into luxury flats, offices and a boutique hotel, one corner of a historic Georgian square remains derelict.
30-31 Portland Square in St Paul’s is Bristol’s only entry on Historic England’s latest Heritage At Risk Register.
The Grade I-listed terraced houses, built between 1789 and 1820 as homes for wealthy merchants, are in a perilous state, having been vacant for more than 20 years.
is needed now More than ever
But all is not lost, with Historic England classifying them among the ‘progress possible’ section of their annual list.
30-31 Portland Square in St Paul’s was originally built from 1789 to 1820 as homes for wealthy merchants
Emergency repairs to the roof of the buildings were carried out with Historic England grant aid in 1996. Further damage occurred in 2005 when part of the facade collapsed.
In their report, Heritage England say that eroded by war, neglect and anti-social behaviour, many buildings on Portland Square ended up empty and derelict.
“Today, recent private sector investment along with local community’s initiatives have breathed new life into the square, seeing buildings returned to use as residential units, an ongoing development of a boutique hotel, and a circus school and community space in the iconic St Paul’s Church.
“Despite the best efforts of the local community and Historic England, this surge of activity has passed over numbers 31 and 32, last in use as offices over 20 years ago and steadily deteriorating.
“We will continue to support the community in plans to restore 31 and 32, giving these elegant buildings the chance to reclaim their place as an integral part of one the finest squares in Bristol.”
St Paul’s Church was previously on the Heritage At Risk Register
In the South West region, 68 per cent of buildings or structures that were on the first Register 20 years ago have been removed because their future has been secured.
These success stories include St Paul’s Church on Portland Square that was repaired with funding from Historic England and the Heritage Lottery Fund and is today used by Circomedia; and Arnos Vale Cemetery which following years of careful conservation with support from many funders is now a popular place to visit.
Read more: Portland Square – from dereliction to luxury
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