SAVE’s Buildings at Risk Register now open to the public

SAVE Britain’s Heritage has marked its 50th anniversary with the launch of a new website, refreshed graphic identity, and — most significantly — free public access to its Buildings at Risk register for the first time.

First launched in 1989, the register has long served as a vital tool for tracking the fate of historic buildings across the UK that are empty, under threat, or facing uncertain futures. Previously available only to Friends and Saviours of SAVE, the register is now open to all, reflecting the organisation’s ambition to widen engagement and empower more people to champion at-risk heritage.

“In this our anniversary year, we are launching a renewed drive to grow SAVE as a popular, campaigning movement,” said SAVE’s director Henrietta Billings. “We want to equip a new generation to fight for the future of historic buildings—powerful assets for community, economy and sustainability.”

The new website also previews the upcoming Act Now! Toolkit — an interactive guide designed to help individuals take action to save endangered buildings, whether or not they appear on the register.

Chimney Stack, Okehampton, Devon. (Credit: Kate Cullen)

This nationwide campaign will be supported by a series of events in Glasgow, Sheffield, Norwich and Plymouth, spotlighting local heritage concerns and national themes such as high street revival and sustainable reuse.

The year will culminate in a special anniversary lecture at the V&A Museum, alongside a new film celebrating SAVE’s five decades of successful intervention and advocacy.

“The challenges we face are daunting yet exciting, especially where we are successful in mobilising the wider public to support and engage in our movement,” added Billings. “Together we can ensure the restoration, revitalisation and reuse of thousands of remarkable buildings that will become beacons of social and economic prosperity and environmental sustainability, for the benefit of people, places and planet. Together we can make a difference.”