London has 604 heritage sites officially considered “at risk,” according to Historic England’s newly published 2025 register — a figure virtually unchanged from last year after 20 sites were
restored and removed from the list, while 21 new ones were added.
Among the most prominent additions are Hampstead Heath’s Hill Garden Pergola and the historic conservatory at Chiswick House. Both were identified as needing significant restoration.
At the same time, several landmarks have been successfully revived. The formerly derelict Bruce Grove public toilets in Tottenham and the Upminster Tithe Barn in east London are now back in public use and have been removed from the at-risk register. “Heritage gives meaning to places,” Historic England said. “When it’s not looked after and used, communities feel a sense of decline.”
The heritage body spent £782,000 on repair and support grants across London in the last financial year. The 2025 at-risk list highlights a range of vulnerable sites, including:
- The moated manor of Edward III, Rotherhithe
- Crystal Palace Low Level railway station
- Hill Garden Pergola, Hampstead Heath
- Chiswick House conservatory
- Our Ladye Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Greenwich
Historic England said its priority is finding long-term, productive uses for heritage buildings so they can contribute to local economies.
Several notable sites were rescued over the past year, among them:
- The Grade II-listed Leaning Woman statue in Hammersmith
- A former post office in Kingston
- Almshouses in Wood Green
- Restored public toilets in Tottenham
- Six historic tombs at St Margaret’s old churchyard in Lewisham
“The best way to protect our buildings is to reuse them, turning them into places of local connection and joy,” said joint chief executives Claudia Kenyatta and Emma Squire. They praised community partnerships for delivering “positive, sustainable change.”
Heritage minister Baroness Twycross welcomed the progress, calling it “fantastic to see so many historical sites saved for communities up and down the country.” Photo by Martin Addison, Wikimedia commons.