‘Delight’ as comedian and author Griff Rhys Jones backs campaign to save dilapidated Bridgnorth building

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Town councillor Huw Rees started his campaign to save New Market Buildings in Bridgnorth, also known as New Market Hall, in 2024 after he said it had fallen into "a dangerous state".

Originally used as assembly rooms and space for market traders, it then became a museum before being let as retail units.

While it has hosted numerous shopfronts over the years, the structure including Postern Tower has fallen into neglect due to an absentee landlord.

Last year, Councillor Rees handed in a 1,500-signature petition to prompt Shropshire Council to act.

Now his campaign to save the building has been backed by the Victorian Society and its president, actor and comedian Griff Rhys Jones OBE.

Today (April 28) the organisation launched its list of Top Ten Endangered Buildings in England and Wales - and New Market Buildings is on the list.

Selected from nominations made by the public, this year’s list highlights a striking and varied group of Victorian and Edwardian buildings at risk, from a nationally iconic transporter bridge, to a rare public health facility, from a Gothic art school to a secluded mausoleum, and from a former railway station at the heart of industrial expansion to a country house containing remarkable painted interiors by a Victorian woman artist.

Together, they tell a powerful story about the buildings that shaped modern Britain, and the growing threats they now face. Despite their historic and architectural importance, many remain vacant, underused, or trapped in cycles of neglect, with uncertain futures and no clear plans for repair or reuse.

The group explained that New Market Buildings/Hall in Postern Gate was built by Robert Griffiths of Quatford between 1855 and 1859.

A spokesperson said: “While comparable market halls in nearby towns such as Shrewsbury and Ludlow have been lost, Bridgnorth’s example endures, though does so now in a perilous condition.

“Built between 1855 and 1859, the market hall was commissioned by the Borough Board of Health, established following the Public Health Act of 1848. In partnership with a private company, it was intended as a multi-functional civic hub, combining market space with offices, public rooms, a town hall and assembly rooms. Its bold architecture reflected the ambition of Victorian urban improvement schemes.

“Despite this vision, the building struggled from the outset.

“Today, the building is in very poor condition. Although the ground floor remains partially occupied, the upper levels are vacant and deteriorating. A scheme approved in 2014 to convert the building into a hotel was never implemented, and the absentee owners have taken no meaningful steps to halt its decline. The rear wing is particularly at risk, and emergency scaffolding installed by the local authority in 2022 remains in place, imposing an ongoing financial burden on the council.

“The Victorian Society is urging the owners either to bring forward a viable scheme without further delay or to place the building on the market to allow a new custodian to secure its future. At the heart of a thriving town, this is a building that should once again play a central role in civic life.”

Griff Rhys Jones, Victorian Society president, added: ‘‘No, no no. Come on. They are building huge enclosed shopping centres which threaten the high street and here is a purpose-made building on the high street standing by and perfect for small shops, cafes and a new life. This is the centre of town. This is the centre of urban life. Stand by and make something of it.”

James Hughes, director of the Victorian Society, said: “This is a building that was designed to serve the heart of Bridgnorth, and could do so again. With the right vision and commitment, it could once again be a focal point for the town. What is needed now is decisive action to secure its future before further damage is done.”

Their support has been welcomed by Councillor Rees.

He said: “I'm delighted to see the Victorian Society has recognised the importance of the New Market Buildings, and that they share my concerns regarding its current condition. I echo their call on the owner to put forward a viable plan for the building without delay, or to place the building on the market to allow a new owner the opportunity to give the building a new life.

“To have Griff Rhys Jones provide his own support is also incredible. His frustrations are shared, and I call on Shropshire Council to take note of his comments. Any action they can take against the owner can't come quick enough!”

The full list of buildings identified by the Victorian Society:

• Hackney Borough Disinfecting Station, London. Grade II, Gordon and Gunton, 1901
• Tees Transporter Bridge, Stockton-on-Tees/Middlesbrough. Grade II*, Engineer: G.C. Imbault, constructed by Sir William Arrol and Co Ltd, 1911
• New Market Buildings Bridgnorth. Grade II, Robert Griffiths of Quatford, 1855 -1859
• Former Strand Railway Station and Railway Men’s Club, Barrow in Furness. Grade II, E. G. Paley, 1863
• Faenol (Vaynol) Mausoleum, Pentir, Nr Bangor. Grade II, Henry Kennedy of Bangor, late 1870s.
• Oakes School, Huddersfield. Grade II, Charles Fowler, 1873; extended by Ben Stocks, 1885
• Parndon Hall, Harlow. Grade II, Possibly Joseph Clarke, 1867
• St Michael’s RC Cemetery Chapel, Sheffield. Grade II, Charles Hadfield, 1898
• Derby School of Art, Derby. Grade II*, F.W. Waller, 1876 with additions 1899
• Former Library and Mechanics Institute, Devonport. Grade II, A, Norman, 1843-44

In launching the list of endangered buildings, Griff Rhys Jones OBE said: “Once again, we are travelling all over England and Wales on a fascinating, enlightening and intriguing tour. Fascinating because from Barrow-in-Furness to Faenol near Bangor, and from Stockton to Hackney we can encounter 10 extraordinary survivals from the can-do age. As I always find, these buildings reflect an incredible range of styles and social awareness. They exemplify Victorian ideals. Railways, markets, art schools, institutes, monuments to the dead, chapels and even a transporter bridge: they all become intriguing as soon as you start to examine their stories.

“They take us straight into the age which provided the building blocks for the society we live in today. So many are the infrastructure projects of the Victorian era. Some are still in use. All are great buildings, executed on demand and with care and foresight. They not only tell the story of our country, they were usually constructed with such strength and integrity that they can continue in service today.

“There is no building here that cannot be recycled. The desolation comes because all of these candidates for assistance are Grade II listed. Two are Grade II starred, that is, ‘particularly important buildings of more than special interest’.

“The Victorian Society is drawing your attention to important buildings that are under threat from decay or neglect. We have had great results in the past. But unless we look to them, deserted or abandoned, fine and beautiful structures can be subject to arson attacks or continued decay. We need to shout out about these ones. They have a future for all of us. They can be reused. That’s the green option. They are each part of the character and quality and history that made Britain and can continue to make Britain.”

Mr Hughes added: “This year’s list demonstrates both the richness of our Victorian and Edwardian heritage and the scale of the ongoing challenge in securing its future. These buildings were created with foresight, ambition and a strong sense of civic purpose. Too often today they are left without clear ownership, investment or direction. With the right commitment, every one of them could have a viable future; what is needed now is the will to act.”