£2.3 million awarded to save historic South West buildings
Successful projects include Newlyn’s medieval harbour, the Toll House at the iconic Birnbeck Pier, and the Turkish Baths at Swindon’s Health Hydro
Locations across the South West are to receive a share of £15 million from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, with the aim of benefiting projects in disadvantaged communities, whilst also creating jobs and vital community spaces.
Our part of the world is getting £2.3 million of that, with successful recipients including Newlyn’s 700-year-old medieval harbour in Penzance, Cornwall, the Toll House at the iconic Birnbeck Pier, and the Victorian style Turkish Baths at Swindon’s Health Hydro.
Across the country, thirty-seven buildings and sites are promised be saved for future generations through these repair grants.
The fund is led by Historic England and funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, with the aim of rescuing listed buildings and sites facing dereliction or demolition.
Projects range from Victorian market halls to medieval churches, creating new jobs and community spaces.
The one-year fund prioritises heritage sites serving disadvantaged communities and which demonstrate strong local benefits, from job creation to cultural events.
In the South West, successful projects, totalling over £2.3 million, will see:
- Repairs to Penzance's historic Market House
- The conservation of Newlyn's 700-year-old medieval harbour in Penzance
- Restoring the cinema at the heart of Plymouth's 1930s nightlife
- The preservation of one of the country’s oldest Victorian style Turkish Baths in Swindon
- The restoration of the Toll House at the iconic Birnbeck Pier
- Repairs to the Pin Factory turned community heritage centre in Gloucester and the transformation of a historic civic building in Penzance into a music centre
This funding prevents irreversible loss of England's built heritage whilst delivering the Government's commitment to break down barriers to opportunity and deliver growth.
Louise Brennan, Director of Regions at Historic England said: "Thanks to the extra funding from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, we are able to breathe new life into neglected historic buildings that we haven’t been able to help through our existing grant schemes.
"This initiative will not only boost economic growth but also create amazing opportunities for people in some of the nation's most disadvantaged areas. We're thrilled to support projects that harness the power of heritage to make a real difference where it's needed most."
Heritage Minister, Baroness Twycross said: "Our extraordinary heritage weaves together the stories that define who we are as communities and as a nation.
"We are delivering on our Plan for Change, through the Heritage at Risk Fund, by breathing new life into treasured places, buildings and monuments across the South West, helping to increase opportunities and ensuring that future generations have access to our rich heritage."
Heritage at Risk Capital Funds in the South West
Market House (Grade I), Penzance, Cornwall (£672,707)
At the heart of Penzance's historic Market Place stands the Market House, surrounded by elegant Georgian and early Victorian buildings that were once home to the town's most prestigious retail outlets during its time as a thriving market town. Though partly vacant in recent years, this Grade I listed building is set for a remarkable transformation.
This project will build on significant Town Deal funded repairs to the derelict east section of the Market House, bringing it back to life as a vibrant food hall, restaurant and community services hub where young people and entrepreneurs can develop and thrive.
The restored Market Hall will become a catalyst for revitalising the town centre, strengthening Penzance's burgeoning food sector, its evening and visitor economies, while generating civic pride. As a centre for the local community, it will champion local businesses and create employment opportunities in hospitality, ensuring this architectural gem continues to serve future generations.
Newlyn’s Old Harbour (Grade II*), Penzance, Cornwall (£119,301)
Once the heart of Newlyn’s fishing industry, Newlyn’s 700-year-old medieval harbour fell into disrepair when the fishing industry moved to an enlarged harbour in 1900. This historic granite structure then became a graveyard for unused fishing vessels, resting against the deteriorating stonework.
Newlyn Harbour’s restoration project aims to conserve the historic structure of the Old Harbour and the unique remnants of coal tar and pitch from fishermen’s working practices, using historic photographs from the 1890s to the 1920s for the restoration. Local specialists and engineers will be employed to restore the granite structures and the remaining 19th century wrought iron railings around the quay. More than a dozen working berths will welcome historic fishing vessels once again.
In making the Old Harbour available for community use, this transformation will create a vibrant venue for artistic and maritime events, restoring local pride and enjoyment through celebrating Newlyn’s rich seafaring heritage.
MusicAbility Centre (Grade II), Penzance, Cornwall (£402,000)
Built in 1828, the elegant building at 10 Parade Street once stood as Penzance's cultural and commercial centre, housing the prestigious Penzance Library, Commercial News Room, Savings Bank and the Penzance Shipping Company. A rare survivor of a subscription library from this period makes it an important piece of Cornwall's civic heritage.
This project involves a full restoration of existing building fabric and refurbishment works, bringing it back into public use as the MusicAbility Centre. The building will welcome visitors 250 days annually, offering music lessons and groups, music therapy and regular concerts.
The MusicAbility Centre will continue Penzance’s rich cultural legacy through sharing the beauty of music, serving as a creative hub for young people to learn and experience music and the arts, with a performance space to host inclusive programmes such as the Golowan Festival concerts and Concerts Penzance.
Gaumont Cinema, Plymouth (£253,494)
Since 1931, the beloved Gaumont Cinema has been woven into the fabric of community life. Over decades, it has been an important backdrop, giving generations memories as a cinema, dance hall, bingo hall and multiple nightclubs. After 19 years standing empty, this cherished local landmark now requires urgent repairs to secure its long-term preservation.
This restoration project will repair the iconic frontage and revamp part of the derelict ground floor space, providing a rentable workshop for the community.
The community lies at the heart of every decision, with local schools and organisations actively involved throughout the journey. More than simply a restoration, the renovated Gaumont Cinema will preserve the vibrant history of Union Street’s nightlife while creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a welcoming space for the community.
Health Hydro Turkish Baths (Grade II*), Swindon (£550,218)
Since 1904, Swindon’s Health Hydro has been home to the oldest continually functioning Victorian style Turkish baths establishment in the country. While the Turkish Baths have remained remarkably little altered and are in their original use, urgent work is required to save the roof of this Victorian treasure.
To secure the preservation of one of the few remaining Turkish Baths in the country, the project will deliver essential repairs to the roof of the baths, providing a climate-resilient, environmentally enhanced roof structure.
When the baths reopen, they will offer affordable and inclusive programming that responds to community needs, bringing back a culturally significant ‘wet’ leisure facility in an area with significant health inequalities. By offering increased access to heritage experiences and wellbeing facilities, this iconic civic asset will deliver lasting health and heritage benefits to the community.
Toll House at Birnbeck Pier (Grade II), Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset (£111,496)
A much-loved part of Weston-super-Mare’s seaside identity is progressing in its journey toward a long-awaited revival. The restoration of Birnbeck Pier, the country’s only pier that connects to an island, will continue with the historic Toll House that sits at the entrance to the pier.
Closed to the public since 1994, Birnbeck has long been a symbol of Weston’s seaside heritage. Now, the derelict Grade II listed Toll House and its extension, known locally as the ‘shell shop’, will be carefully restored and reopened as a new community-focused space.
Once complete, the building is intended to serve as a volunteer hub and information point at the beginning of the visitor journey, offering a new lease of life for the building and an exciting opportunity to re-engage locals and tourists alike. Plans include using the space to host exhibitions that capture local memories and oral histories, celebrating the voices and stories of Weston’s people.
The project is a crucial part of the wider restoration of Birnbeck Pier, a nationally significant Weston landmark and a treasured part of the town’s future.
The Folk Pin Factory (Grade II), Gloucester, Gloucestershire (£142,871)
The Pin Factory was once a representation of Gloucester’s rich industrial heritage. This historic structure began as a 17th century timber-framed barn before transforming into a pin factory in the 18th century as a part of Gloucester’s flourishing pin-making industry.
Today, the Pin Factory is located within The Folk of Gloucester, a bustling community space.
This project aims to create a sustainable future for the building, repairing the western wall and restoring the deteriorating windows according to their historic patterns. This will stabilise the former pin factory and broaden its capacity for community activities, creating a welcoming space to host inclusive activities and workshops.
From art groups supporting mental wellbeing to vibrant events like the Ukrainian Festival, the Folk will continue serving as a lively and artistic space for the community. Locals and visitors can engage with Gloucester's rich industrial heritage while participating in the exciting activities that reflect these buildings’ enduring role as a community gathering place.