Twenty-one of London's most cherished historic landmarks have been declared officially 'at risk' in Historic England's newly published Heritage at Risk Register for 2025, raising concerns about their long-term survival.
New Additions to the Endangered List
The worrying update sees 21 London landmarks joining the register due to threats of neglect, decay or inappropriate development. Among the 604 London entries on the list, several prominent sites popular with tourists and locals alike now face an uncertain future without immediate intervention.
One of the most significant additions is the Hampstead Hill Pergola, an elegant structure built in 1906 as part of a private Edwardian estate that has become one of Hampstead Heath's most beloved features. The ageing structure's deterioration has prompted the City of London Corporation, which manages the site, to pledge action to safeguard it for future generations.
Another notable inclusion is Hounslow's Conservatory at Chiswick House and Gardens, a beautiful historic garden building dating back to 1813. Though the Hounslow Council-owned site has undergone several restorations throughout its history, the 1930s glass and timber section presents particular maintenance challenges.
Rescue Efforts and Success Stories
Despite the concerning new additions, the register also brings positive news, with 20 London sites having been successfully rescued and removed from the at-risk list through dedicated conservation efforts.
Among the success stories is the Leaning Woman Statue in Hammersmith, a striking piece of post-war public art that has been restored thanks to a crowdfunding project led by the Heritage of London Trust. The statue now stands preserved for future appreciation.
In Shoreditch, Tower Hamlets, a Grade II listed former weavers' cottage that had languished on the register for years due to extreme deterioration has been transformed into a modern retail outlet, successfully securing its future.
Collaborative Conservation Work
Historic England's register serves as a crucial tool for prioritising conservation efforts, helping to ensure that threatened buildings receive the attention they need to survive and continue to be enjoyed by the public.
At Chiswick House, Hounslow Council and Chiswick House & Gardens Trust have been working closely together to secure the Conservatory's long-term future. Their collaborative efforts have already seen success with the sensitive conservation and repurposing of Victorian working areas as artists' studios, which opened earlier this year.
The full list of newly added London landmarks includes diverse structures from across the capital, from Roman Catholic churches and moated manors to historic stations and memorials, highlighting the broad range of heritage assets requiring protection.
