Latest news with #VictorianArchitecture
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Sheffield's Victorian spa listed in most endangered buildings
The last remaining Victorian bath house in South Yorkshire has been included in a list of the top 10 most endangered buildings in the UK by a preservation Spa in Hackenthorpe, Sheffield, opened in 1843 and closed at the outbreak of World War building has since fallen into "decades of decline", according to the Victorian Society, although an independent surveyor commissioned by the city council said it was still structurally sound in adviser Tom Ollivier said: "It's a blank slate and would lend itself very well to reuse - and it's an important part of Sheffield heritage." The spa complex was opened by the second Earl Manvers, Lord of the Manor of Beighton, Charles Herbert facilities included baths of different size and temperature, and an opening advertisement said it would ease the symptoms of those suffering from conditions such as rheumatism, gout, and was accessible to all social classes, Mr Ollivier said."This is somewhere designed for the higher end of society, but it also had the very practical male and female baths for everyone."Usage declined in the 1870s, and after its hotel closed in 1878, its marble bath was reportedly removed by either the Earl or his son for private use."I quite like the idea that its public benefit only went so far, and at the end of it, he was like, 'Right, I'm having that back'," said Mr the 1920s and 30s, the grounds were transformed into a children's pleasure park, and it became a popular destination for families until its permanent closure when the war began. It was compulsorily purchased by the city's local authority, the Sheffield Corporation, in the 1950s and still belongs to the council. Community-focused restoration works were completed in 2002 with National Lottery funding, but the Victorian Society said lack of continued council support had led to "renewed disrepair".Local residents formed the Birley Spa Preservation Trust in 2018 to protect it, with the ambition of reopening it to the 2022, they secured nearly £100,000 in further National Lottery funding to restore its ponds, pathways, and member Fiona Milne called it "Schrödinger's oasis"."For me, it's the most wonderful place on earth, but trying to save it has been the most stressful, soul-destroying thing I've ever been involved with."She said the council told them it could not afford to maintain the site, but communication over the years had been becoming a registered charity in November, she said they were hoping to secure more financial called the spa's ranking by the Victorian Society "absolutely fantastic", because she said it could draw more attention and encourage more people to get involved."There's so much potential there, and hopefully we're finally going to get the chance to do something with it, other than having to literally stand by and watch it deteriorate."The council has been contacted for comment. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds or catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
22-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Berkshire's Aldermaston Court joins endangered buildings list
A Victorian mansion with an "extraordinary" history that includes being involved in Britain's atomic research programme has been placed on a list of the county's most endangered Court, in Berkshire, has been added to the Victorian Society's list of 10 buildings in need of protection in the said the history of the manor house's estate dates back to 1299, and most recently it was a hotel until Ellis Leah, from the society, said: "We can only preserve our historic buildings when we use them." Society director James Hughes said: "Aldermaston Court is a remarkable building with a lofty historical and architectural legacy. "From its medieval roots to its role in Britain's nuclear history, this estate has shaped and reflected our past in profound ways."It must not be allowed to deteriorate further." The 19th-Century Aldermaston Court features a Jacobean ornate staircase, stained glass, and chimney was commissioned by Daniel Higford Davall Burr who was renown for keeping exotic pets such as snakes and World War Two, it became a barracks for the Women's Land Army and the United States Air Force, complete with anti-aircraft the war, the site was adapted for scientific research, and became a focus for anti-nuclear marches when the adjacent airfield evolved into the UK's Atomic Weapons Research Ellis Leah said: "People think these buildings are expensive and I think we're scared when we hear the word expense. "It is important that we preserve what we have because there is a reason they are still standing."This building has meant a lot to people, particularly over the last 100 years the fact that it is still standing is a real testament to that social fabric."When we knock that away and we turn it into rumble, we completely eradicate that history.""We must preserve these buildings for future generations." Griff Rhys Jones OBE, Victorian Society President, said: "A lengthy period of inactivity is dangerous for the building and wholly unnecessary."It currently remains unoccupied and has been up for sale for five years with Vail Williams, the society have had interest from education establishment, training centres, film studios, corporates wanting to build a bespoke facility, residential developers, house converters and hotel leisure users. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Brits are flocking to up-and-coming London suburb while it's still affordable
With a high concentration of Crystal Palace fans, this south London suburb is known for its Victorian architecture and as the birthplace of British grime artist Stormzy. But Thornton Heath is quickly garnering a new reputation as the go-to area for affordable housing in England's pricey capital. With its average house price of £396,996 compared to the London average of £686,817, eagle-eyed house buyers who caught the trend early may be in for a major windfall. That's because new data has revealed Thornton Heath to be the fastest-growing area for rent increases in the city. Pipping areas in London's affluent west, Rightmove statistics revealed the suburb has seen an increase of 14 per cent on rental prices compared to last year. It beat Harlesden in Brent, Greenford in Ealing, and Barnes in Richmond upon Thames, all of which seen increases of 12 per cent. Additionally, Biggin Hill in Bromley, Bayswater in Westminster, and East Finchley in Barnet each increased by 11 per cent. Property expert Sue Iluc told Metro that Thornton Heath was 'shedding its old image as a commuter hub' and is undergoing a major transformation. Situated in Zone 4 and around 10 miles from the city, the suburb borders the BRIT School which boasts a glittering alumni including Amy Winehouse, Tom Holland, and RAYE. Its Victorian buildings, seen in St Paul's Church and St Alban's Anglican, give the area a feel of history despite its high street being packed with takeaways. One social media poster who has lived in Thornton Heath for more nearly three decades says while the area is not 'polished', they understand the appeal for prospective house buyers. They said: 'Croydon Council have made efforts to invest in the area to make it more presentable. 'Many areas like Thornton Heath elsewhere in London have become gentrified over the past 20 years. I wouldn't say much has changed about [it] in my lifetime. The area is also a 10-minute drive from the notoriously large IKEA in Croydon - an ideal haunt for those moving into the area 'Thornton Heath has it's problems and definitely isn't polished or friendly but it isn't boring either - it is multicultural and bustling.' 'However this does make property cheaper in the area, and the area has potential to become more sought-after with its train links into London.' The area is also a 10-minute drive from the notoriously large IKEA in Croydon - an ideal haunt for those moving into the area - as well as BOXPARK, a food court which hosts movie screenings and live entertainment. For football fans, Selhurst Park - the home of FA Cup winners Crystal Palace - is within walking distance. And for central London workers, you can commute there in under 30 minutes. Just take the overground train from Thornton Heath station to London Victoria, and take it from there.
Times
18-05-2025
- Times
A Norfolk coach house with a moat is for sale at £1.7m
Across a moat in the grounds of Old Hunstanton Hall, on the north Norfolk coast, lies a grade II listed Victorian coach house with 2.4 acres of land. Built around an open courtyard, it has five bedrooms, a large kitchen/dining room with an Aga and four reception rooms. A full-height arched mullioned window, designed by Charles Morris, in the drawing room looks out over the moat. A refurbished house on Clabon Mews, two blocks from Harrods in Knightsbridge, has a private top-floor balcony — a rarity for this type of home. Done up in marble and brushed brass, the ground floor has living and dining areas, with a sleek kitchen in the basement. Three bedrooms and two bathrooms are on the two floors above.
BBC News
12-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Bradford's Little Germany to get new promotion push
An area of Bradford filled with Victorian buildings which once formed the thriving hub of the city's wool industry is to be promoted in a new campaign. Little Germany is home to 55 listed sites, but several businesses have moved out of the area, leaving many of the 19th Century buildings to be converted into flats. A spokesperson for Impact Hub Bradford said a team had been set up to encourage more businesses, visitors and investment into the Mason, chair of the Little Germany Steering Group, said: "If this was anywhere else in the world, it would be revered, promoted and celebrated." Heritage trails, film tours, regular cultural events and the roll-out of a series of blue plaques would all be used to promote the area, Impact Hub Bradford said.A new website had also been launched to highlight the area, its history and buildings, and new Little Germany branding had been produced to be used on signs and promotional two empty buildings on Chapel Street would be brought back into public use in the coming years, according to a spokesperson for the campaign would have the motto "This is the story of Bradford in stone." At a launch event on Thursday, Mr Mason said the area "might have lost a bit of its soul over the years"."Depending on which time of year you come, you will see the area in a different light – quite literally."People in Bradford don't often shout about the city's successes. It is not that they hide their light under a bushel, it is that they hide that bushel under another bushel."It is time we celebrate Little Germany as an important part of Bradford's regeneration."Mr Mason, who is also chief executive of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said the new campaign coincided with "palpable momentum" to improve Bradford, spurred on by the City of Culture 2025 celebrations and the promotion of Bradford City's promotion to League Rashid, who founded Impact Hub Bradford, said the success of the venture showed Little Germany was a good base for business and creative groups. 'Great city' Impact Hub had plans to expand into 30 Chapel Street – a long derelict building that would offer much more space, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). Last year, a planning application to convert the building into office and co-working spaces, complete with cafe, workshops and a conference space, was approved by Bradford Rashid pointed out that Little Germany was built by European immigrants, adding: "Bradford is seen as a city of immigrants, and many say that in a negative way. "But if you look at history, German migrants came and built this area and helped Bradford become the great city it became."Si Cunningham, chair of Bradford Civic Society, said there was "a lot of optimism" around Bradford, but he added that promoting the city could be "exhausting and character building"."A lot of people don't want to give up on Bradford because there are so many opportunities," he Cunningham explained that there were plans to refurbish existing blue plaques in the area, as well as rolling out new ones marking the area's history, such as the foundation of the Independent Labour Party there in 1893. There would also be a number of heritage days, he West, former director of Little Germany Action, said: "It is a stunning place, but it could be so much better." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
