[library picture]
I have just been looking at the online version of Bath Preservation Trust’s April Newsletter, which certainly made interesting reading.
Trust CEO Alex Sherman made the following announcement.
“Bath Preservation Trust has nominated the former King Edward’s School on Broad Street to be added to the World Monuments Fund Watch List. This iconic building has been vacant since 1991, and despite superficial repairs, it continues to visibly deteriorate.
The Grade II* listed building is already on the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register – a damning indictment for the double-inscribed World Heritage Site, famed for its Georgian architecture and town planning.
King Edward’s School is symbolic of a global phenomenon which sees historic architecture neglected and left to deteriorate. Generating significant local and national interest, the building has the potential to be an exemplar of community engagement to bring it back into condition.
I have spoken to scores of people who have expressed their frustration with the ongoing disregard, offering help and support.
I have written to the owners, Samuel Smith’s Brewery, on several occasions, to ask for the building to be shown the respect and care it deserves, but have received no reply.
Recognition by the World Monuments Fund would bring international attention. Whether this would be enough to provoke action is unknown, but in the absence of other options, any attempts to facilitate change must be tried.
The 25 buildings shortlisted for inclusion on the Watch List will be announced in 2027.”
