Local Grade II Listed Building is named one of most endangered in the country

The Victorian Society has released an article which showcases the top ten most endangered Victorian and Edwardian buildings in the country with Ipswich’s former Tolly Cobbold Brewery making the list.

The Brewery was originally built in 1896 and is now a grade II listed building. Tolly Cobbold merged with Ridley’s in 2002 leaving the site abandoned. Since 2002, the building has deteriorated. The interior is rotting and falling apart. Some machinery has been taken and there is clear indication of vandalism.

In 2013 proposals for a £30m redevelopment of the former Tolly Cobbold’s Brewery into living and business facilities were granted outline planning permission. The scheme was to include 27 flats as well as business and leisure use; however since 2013 no work has begun.

Griff Rhys Jones, Victorian Society Vice President said, “These are buildings that need help, and we need you to help them.”

The director of the Victorian Society, Christopher Costelloe said, “I urge the public to share the Top Ten list and Griff’s message, to help raise awareness of these buildings and help them to find the investment they desperately need.”

Read the full article

Nicholas Jacob Architects fully understand and support the need to raise awareness of such buildings and the risk of their potential loss if viable uses cannot be found. The solution is often difficult to achieve because of the need to preserve the historic integrity of these buildings and also bridge the funding gap that often exists, however on many occasions we have proved it is possible and some of these projects are show cased in our portfolio. The most recent, which we are developing is the regeneration of the Crescent in Buxton, with a cost of £48m.

View some of our conservation projects