The Isle of Wight Guildhall in Newport - home of Visit Isle of Wight and the Museum of Island History - has been added to Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register.

The annually-published list is a snapshot of the state of England’s most valued historic places - warning about those that could be lost to neglect, decay or inappropriate development.

In the south east, the Grade II listed Newport Guildhall is among eleven historic buildings added this year.

The Isle of Wight Council-owned John Nash-designed building's stonework, roof, render and drains are in poor condition.

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Why is Newport Guildhall on the Isle of Wight so important?

Built between 1814-16, the Guildhall housed the borough’s civic and judicial functions and a market.

A clock tower was added in 1887-8, to mark Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.

Since 1996, it has housed the Museum of Island History, offices and storage.

Isle of Wight Council is working with partners and the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) initiative to develop refurbishment plans and options for its future use. 

It spent £20,000 on emergency roof repairs in 2021.

Emily Gee, regional director of Historic England said: "It is central to Historic England’s mission that we pass on to future generations the rich legacy of historic buildings and places that we have inherited from previous generations. 

"As the threat of climate change grows, the reuse and sensitive upgrading of historic buildings and places becomes ever more important.

"Finding new uses for buildings and sites rescued from the register avoids the high carbon emissions associated with demolishing structures and building new."

Isle of Wight County Press: Cowes' Northwood House is on the At Risk Register.Cowes' Northwood House is on the At Risk Register. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

What other Isle of Wight properties are on the At Risk Register?

Across the region, 11 buildings were rescued from Historic England's At Risk Register this year.

However, others remain including Northwood House in Cowes, the Hammerhead Crane, on the banks of the Medina, Norris Castle in East Cowes (which is currently subject to a major planning application, and a number of Island churches.

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Norris Castle, East Cowes.

Isle of Wight County Press: Church of St Mary in Cowes.Church of St Mary in Cowes. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)