.jpg?width=96&crop=1:1,smart)
Many of the historic buildings in the Portsmouth area are at risk of being lost forever.
Historic England has published 2026’s Heritage At Risk register, highlighting the landmarks which need immediate attention and preserving. Two structures have been added to this year’s list, with none being taken off.
The register covers all listed buildings, scheduled monuments, conservation areas, registered parks and gardens and other categories. Claudia Kenyatta CBE and Emma Squire CBE, Co-CEOs of Historic England, said: “Our historic buildings and places help tell the story of where we live and contribute to the character and identity of local communities.
“Each year, the Heritage at Risk Register showcases the positive impact that restoring and reusing these special places can have. The most effective way to protect our buildings is to bring them back into use as places that create connection and enjoyment for local people.
“The sites saved and removed from the Register this year show what can be achieved when partners and communities work together to deliver positive, lasting change. By working together, we can protect our heritage for generations to come.”
Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross added: "Every part of the UK is bursting with history, so it is vital we protect the heritage sites at the heart of communities which help tell the stories of our nation. That’s why our £1.5bn Arts Everywhere Fund is so important, supporting efforts to save more than 1,000 arts venues, museums, libraries, and heritage buildings across England.
“The Heritage at Risk Register plays a crucial role in identifying these historic places that need our support. This year’s Register is an important reminder of the pressures facing our historic environment, from ageing buildings and structural deterioration to the impacts of extreme weather. I want us to build on our progress to ensure our heritage is protected for generations to come.”
Here are 28 structures on the list. One of them not included in the gallery is the archaeological site of the Motte and bailey castle near Apple Dumpling Bridge, south of Rowner in Gosport.
9. Church of St Luke - Southsea
The Neo-Norman church by Thomas Hellyer of Ryde is dated 1858-61and is built of flint and stone with a Welsh slate roof. It is at risk due to extensive damp problems caused by water ingress resulting mainly from faulty and undersized rainwater goods. Cementitious repointing worsens the damp problems. It's hope that ambitious plans for redevelopment will address outstanding repair work. It has been given a priority C grade and is in "poor condition". | Google Street View
10. Church of St Cuthbert - Copnor
Built in 1914-15 by E Stanley Hall, the original east end apse was destroyed by bombing, and the present east end wall is a post-war reconstruction. This has been remodelled in the last 10 years to provide community facilities and the present church sits in the western two bays of the former nave of the church only. The roofs over the worship space and the bell tower are in poor condition. A National Lottery Heritage Fund Grants for Places of Worship scheme grant was used to develop the project, but funding for repairs has yet to be found. It has been given a priority D grade. | Google Street View
11. Hilsea Lines - Centre Bastion (excluding casemates referred to as Bastion 4), East Centre Curtain (Railway) west side (formerly known as Bastion no. 5), Hilsea, Portsmouth
The Earthwork defence dating from 1858-1869 features batteries, magazines and barracks. The central section of the site, comprising three quarters of the Centre Bastion, and the west side of East Centre Curtain, where the railway enters Portsea Island (all formerly referred to broadly as Bastion no. 5) are continuing to suffer from heritage crime, a lack of regular maintenance and very limited access to the site. Opportunities to manage the monument, improve access, and reduce anti-social behaviour through the creation of a linear park are being explored by Portsmouth City Council which recently began a consultation to help it draw up its plans. | Louise Barnett
12. No. 25 Store, Yard Services Manager's Office, Jago Road, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth
The two storey storehouse of 1782, with internal courtyard is in a poor condition and vacant, Historic England said. There is some evidence of water ingress and pigeon infestation. Some remedial works have been completed and further roof works are planned. The Ministry of Defence is in discussion with a potential user of the building, to take occupation once repairs are complete.