Saving London - English Heritage

6
OUR ExPERIENCE
THE SERVICE OF
ST
W ATu O TOr nKS
Y OTiCeS
r
Threats and consequences
Any property is vulnerable when vacant, but historic buildings are particularly
susceptible to:
• deterioration through lack of maintenance.
• vandalism and arson.
• Theft of architectural features and building materials.
In turn, this can rapidly lead to:
• Serious loss of the special interest of a building, or even the loss of the
building itself.
• The ‘conservation deficit’ trap: where the repair costs exceed the end
market value. This can place demands on scarce public funds, or lead to
pressure for unsuitable conversion schemes, excessive new development,
or demolition.
Lessons learned
• planning ahead
Where disposals are planned, clear strategies should be in place
to minimise risk pending a new use.
• interim uses
Interim short-term uses can help to keep a building weathertight,
waterproof and in use pending long-term solutions.
• prevention is better than cure
Timely maintenance and repair are vital to arrest deterioration and
keep costs down.
• Local capacity building is essential
Having a dedicated Heritage at Risk officer and Heritage Champion helps.
• Statutory action
The service of statutory notices unlocks intractable cases and encourages
recalcitrant owners to repair or sell.
Right: Ace Cinema, Harrow. This former 1930s art
deco cinema is now a temple for the Zoroastrian
community (see p.15).
Saving London English Heritage