Skip to content

Project to survey at-risk buildings to be extended

Samantha Noble
BBC News, Derby
Sally Swinfen
BBC News, Derby
Miles McIntosh A three-storey brick building with eight white sash windows. In front of the building, cars are parked and someone is taking a photo of it, with their back to the building.Miles McIntosh
More than 550 Grade II listed buildings have been surveyed since the pilot launched in Amber Valley

A pilot project where volunteers survey Grade II listed buildings using an app will be extended.

The Derbyshire "Buildings at Risk" initiative, which aims to protect endangered heritage buildings, was launched in the Amber Valley in Derbyshire in October.

Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) said thanks to a £207,000 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, the project will now be launched in Derby.

Anna Cluley, from DHBT, said: "Derby has got such a rich history and it is a great way for local volunteers to take ownership of the unique heritage of the city."

Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust A photo of The Old Bell Hotel, which is an old black and white building. Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust
One event to launch the project will take place at The Old Bell Hotel on Wednesday

Volunteers will be able to record and monitor the condition of Derby's Grade II listed buildings on an app called B@R.

A colour coding system will be used to categorise structures by their state of repair which will create "an invaluable resource for conservation efforts," said DHBT.

Ms Cluley, DHBT's heritage development officer, said with its expansion to Derby the project aimed to recruit more people who shared a passion for heritage and wanted to help protect the region's architectural history.

"We are wanting people to get involved by downloading the app and it can be used to complete a basic condition survey of any Grade II listed buildings in the area," she added.

"You can then say what state of repair these buildings are in then that gets reported back to us so we can follow that up in case any of these buildings could possibly be vulnerable or at risk."

Miles McIntosh A light-coloured stone building and in front of it is a group of people wearing high-vis jackets with their backs to the camera. Miles McIntosh
DHBT said it was working with universities and community groups to make sure as many people as possible can take part

She said people were asked to look at the roof condition, windows, doors, and architectural features of properties from a pavement or public footpath, record their findings and upload photos.

DHBT said it will provide the city council with the data.

Ms Cluley said since launching in Amber Valley more than 80 volunteers have signed up and surveyed 550 Grade II listed buildings.

Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust The Silk Mill building in Derby. Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust
Derby is home to many historic buildings, including the Silk Mill

She added: "We have been really thrilled by the response and how much data they have been able to provide, and flag up some buildings which we might not have been aware were at risk.

"Now we can take steps to protect them."

Events to launch the project in Derby will take place at The Old Bell on Wednesday from 15:00 BST to 17:00 and University of Derby's Enterprise Centre on Thursday from 18:30 to 20:30.

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.

More on this story
Related links