Managing Vacant Historic Buildings
Historic buildings left vacant are at greater risk of damage and decay. The best way to protect a building is to keep it occupied, even if the use is on a temporary or partial basis.
Historic England has produced guidance to help owners and purchasers of vacant buildings to reduce risks by undertaking an ‘active management approach’ that can prevent unnecessary damage, dereliction and loss of historic fabric. The guidance explains how to decommission buildings that are about to be vacated, as well as how to look after buildings that have already been vacant for some time.
Guidelines on managing risks
Owners will also benefit by maintaining the value of their assets and increasing the chances of bringing them back into permanent use. The guidance explains how to decommission buildings that are about to be vacated, as well as how to look after buildings that have already been vacant for some time.
The guidance contains the following:
Introduction
1. Understanding and insuring the building
2. Tackling urgent repairs
3. Protecting features
4. Securing the building
5. Reducing fire risk
6. Considering services and environment
7. Controlling vegetation and wildlife
8. Monitoring and maintenance
9. Finding a temporary use
10. Consents and regulations
11. Appendix /Arson risk assessment
12. Where to get advice
How to manage the risks
With careful planning, buildings are less likely to stand empty for indefinite periods and the period of vacancy can be kept to a minimum.
- Decide at an early stage whether the building needs to be retained or sold
- Be realistic about how long the building is likely to remain vacant
- Be imaginative about ways to re-use the building, either permanently or on an interim basis
- Use advisers who have relevant experience in dealing with historic buildings
- Keep options under review, taking into account market conditions
- Budget for managing and maintaining the building while it is empty
- Think about ‘mothballing’ as a last resort
Listed vacant buildings
Listed buildings which are left empty and unprotected may be classified as being ‘at risk’, either by Historic England or by the local planning authority. A separate guidance note, Stopping the Rot, explains the use of statutory powers to secure the repair of such buildings.
Learn more
View the 2020 webinar: Graffiti on historic buildings – removal and prevention
This webinar talks about methods of removing graffiti from historic buildings, primarily masonry – stone, brick and concrete – as well as approaches to preventing it. This webinar will be of interest to anyone caring for historic buildings; including local authorities, building owners, practitioners.
For the best webinar experience, please use Google Chrome browser or download Adobe Connect.
