Historic England Help Save Grove Street

Historic England has today (Thursday 6 November 2025) revealed its Heritage at Risk Register 2025. The Register gives an annual snapshot of the health of England’s valued historic buildings and places. It helps to ensure they can be protected and continue to be enjoyed in the future.

Heritage plays a vital role in the pride people feel about their local place. It gives meaning to the places where people live, work and spend time, connects us, inspires creativity, and boosts economic growth. When it’s not looked after and used, communities feel a sense of decline.

We are pleased to report that Grove Street Methodist Church and Centre in Retford has been removed from the at Risk Register thanks to a Historic England grant and major fundraising efforts.

Repairs have also been made to the exterior and interior of Its oval gallery now provides a magnificent auditorium that’s used by both the church and local community.

Revd. Julie Coates, Superintendent of the Trinity Circuit said: "It's taken a number of years but we are so pleased with the restoration work at Grove Street. It's a magnificant building and we are able to welcome everyone in for worship and community events. We appreciate everyone's efforts to fundraise and we are truly grateful for all donations and grants which made all the work possible. Heritage is close to our hearts and it's wonderful to read a number of other buildings have been restored and also taken from the at Risk Register."

Other sites in the East Midlands that have now been brought back into use and saved include: Papplewick Pumping Station in Nottingham following a major £500,000 restoration project and Taylor’s Bellfoundry in Leicestershire following repairs and improvement works to the tower, although part of the site remains at risk. Bradgate Chapel in Leicestershire following Historic England funded repairs to the masonry and the plaster ceiling.

Historic England works together with partners and communities in inventive ways to breathe new life and hope into places that need it most. We want to see ‘at risk’ historic buildings brought back into productive use so they can be enjoyed by local communities and contribute to the local economy.

This year alone, nine sites in the East Midlands have been rescued and their futures secured. Many buildings and sites have been rescued with the help and commitment of local people, communities, charities, owners and funders including The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Given the environmental impact of demolishing buildings and replacing them, the greenest building is the one that already exists.

Historic England is harnessing the power of heritage for the planet, contributing to achieving net zero carbon emissions by facilitating the adaption and reuse of historic buildings.

Claudia Kenyatta CBE and Emma Squire CBE, Co-CEOs of Historic England, said: “The heritage we see all around us impacts how we feel about our local places. The annual Heritage at Risk Register gives us the opportunity to celebrate the many benefits of bringing our historic buildings back into use.

“The best way to protect our buildings is to reuse them, turning them into places of local connection and joy. The sites that have been saved and have come off the Register this year really highlight the benefits of working together in partnership, and with communities, to create positive, sustainable change. Together we can safeguard our heritage for future generations.”

Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross said: “We are determined to protect the heritage at the heart of our communities. It is fantastic to see so many historical sites saved for communities up and down the country. These are much loved places and it is great to see them being brought back in to use. This year alone our £15 million Heritage at Risk Capital Fund has been key to saving buildings like these.”