The York Civic Trust has launched a new register to track buildings and spaces across York that are at risk of being lost or neglected. This initiative serves as an early warning system to help the community protect local landmarks before they are beyond repair or slated for demolition.
The register was created following the partial roof collapse of the former Carriage Works canteen building in Holgate on 4 April 2023. Since 2007, more than 20 locally valued sites have been lost to demolition or major alterations. These include the former Reynard’s Garage on Piccadilly, which was demolished in 2015. The register is considered unique in the UK because it is managed by a local group and encourages residents to nominate sites they believe are in danger.
High-profile locations currently listed include the Bootham Park Hospital, which has been empty since 2015. Plans to convert the site into retirement housing were cancelled in March 2026 after the developer determined the project was no longer financially viable. Beyond specific buildings, the trust is also monitoring risks to underground archaeological treasures, which are being threatened by shifts in the water table and climate change.
While York contains over 1,300 nationally protected historic assets, the trust notes that many other sites are vulnerable and often overlooked by national surveys. Through projects like Our Place, the organisation is working to identify at-risk sites in areas such as Acomb and Westfield. The trust has raised concerns that ongoing government planning reforms may simplify decision-making processes to a point where local knowledge and community input are ignored.
The new list complements the existing York Local Heritage List, which was established in 2007 to recognise about 170 buildings and spaces that contribute to the character of the city. Residents can learn more about the project and view the full register at the York Civic Trust website.
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