Island towns added to Risk Register

Ryde and Sandown have been added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, bringing the total number of ‘at risk’ Isle of Wight sites to 30.

Other sites on the register include Northwood House, Norris Castle and Newport Minster, which are at risk due to factors such as neglect, decay over time or inappropriate development.

Historic England said other towns include Brading, Cowes and Newport, were in poor condition.

Emily Gee, Historic England’s regional director for London and the south east, said: “Our heritage needs to be saved and investing in heritage pays. It helps transform the places where we live and work and in which we visit, creating successful and distinctive places for us and for future generations to enjoy. But there’s more work to do.

“There are buildings still on the Heritage at Risk Register, such as the Bouldnor Battery, that can be rescued and brought back to beneficial use. These are the homes, shops, offices and cultural places of the future.

“Historic England’s experience shows that with the right partners, imaginative thinking and robust business planning, we can be confident in finding creative solutions for these complex sites.”

Robert Lloyd-Sweet, Historic Places Adviser at Historic England said: “Whether it’s our high streets, seafront promenades or the remains of our coastal defences, the register highlights those parts of our island heritage that most need our care to be conserved, enjoyed and handed onto future generations.”