Historic England's Heritage at Risk list includes several sites across the West of England, with many facing an uncertain future due to ageing stonework, neglect, and rising repair costs. Charities and community groups are working to secure funding and undertake restoration projects.
Ashton Court Mansion in Bristol, a Grade I-listed building with a core dating back to the 14th Century, is deemed to be in "very bad" condition by Historic England, with approximately 75% of the building derelict. Bristol Historic Buildings Trust is applying for a 125-year lease from the council, with a full restoration potentially costing around £20m. Simon Cook, chair of the trust, stated that £200,000 has been raised so far, and warned that action is needed in the next two to three years to prevent further deterioration in some areas.
In Devizes, Wiltshire, the Grade II-listed Assize Court, which closed in 1983, requires nearly £15m for restoration. The Devizes Assize Court Trust and Wiltshire Museum plan to transform it into a new home for artefacts, with ground works due to begin soon and the main restoration in 2027. The project has secured £8.5m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, but a further £2m is still needed. The Lansdowne Monument in Wiltshire, a Grade II*-listed obelisk, is undergoing a multi-million-pound restoration by the National Trust, with the majority of repairs aimed for completion by the end of 2026.
Somerset Council has reviewed its involvement with Tonedale Mill in Wellington, earmarking over £16m of Levelling Up funding in 2023. However, subsequent surveys revealed extensive deterioration and asbestos, leading the council to consider purchasing the site and pursuing original proposals a "massive financial risk." Focus has shifted to the neighbouring Tone Works site, where repairs are under way. Jacobs Wells Baths in Bristol, a Grade II-listed building, is expected to reopen in 2029 as a community, arts, dance, and music hub, following over £2m spent on structural repairs and asbestos removal. Gloucester City Council remains committed to finding a future for The Fleece Hotel, a Grade I-listed former pilgrims' inn, which was recently announced as one of 74 sites to benefit from £41m of government funding.