Cinema among 'at-risk' sites, says council

A 19th-Century kiln, a 90-year-old former cinema and farm buildings are among assets added to a town's list of "at-risk" heritage sites.

They have been categorised based on their condition by Rotherham Council, from Category A, which is a structure at "immediate risk of further deterioration" to Category F, where repairs are already in progress.

The council said the aim was to "identify those that are most at risk of being lost as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development".

Meanwhile, Firbeck Hall and Keppel's Column are among structures removed from the at-risk list after improvement work.

One of the new entries in Rotherham's at-risk register is Highfield Farm in Hoober.

The Grade II listed building has been placed in Category C and is deemed to be in poor condition, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Similarly, the Grade II listed Beech House on Melton High Street has also been classified as poor (Category C), with repairs required.

The former Regal Cinema on Corporation Street in Rotherham town centre has also been added to the register in fair (Category C) condition.

The cinema was granted Grade II listed status following a successful campaign to protect the 90-year-old building in 2021.

A bottle kiln in Swinton, built in 1815, has also been added to the list of at-risk heritage sites.

The Rockingham, or Waterloo kiln, named in commemoration of the Battle of Waterloo, is the principal surviving feature of the Rockingham Porcelain Factory, which was financed by the Earl Fitzwilliam.

The kiln was also named after his uncle, the Marquis of Rockingham.

Meanwhile, the gate piers and linking walls located on Doncaster Road, Rotherham, have also been added to the register.

Likely constructed around 1786 by renowned architect John Carr for Joseph Walker, these historic features are contemporary with the now-demolished Eastwood House.

Finally, 12 Wellgate in Rotherham, a Grade II listed building, has been categorised as in fair condition (Category E).

Several assets have been removed from the register following conservation works.

Firbeck Hall, Keppel's Column and the Camellia House at Wentworth Woodhouse have been removed following work by Historic England, developers and the council.

Work continues at Wentworth Woodhouse with the stable block and house expected to be taken off the register soon.

Despite the increasing number of at-risk sites, Rotherham has preserved a great deal of its heritage.

Since the last government survey in 1986-87, the borough has lost only 10 listed buildings, none of which were in local authority ownership.

In the same period, more than 30 listed buildings have been restored, many with direct support from the council.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.