MP pledges support for a campaign to revive landmark Bridgnorth building

Conservative MP for South Shropshire, Stuart Anderson, has backed the campaign, from Huw Rees, to renovate New Market Hall on Listley Street in Bridgnorth.

The building was built between 1855 and 1859, acquiring Grade II listed status on April 16, 1987.

Originally used as assembly rooms and space for market traders, it then became a museum before being let as retail units.

While it has hosted numerous shopfronts over the years, the structure including Postern Tower has fallen into neglect due to an absentee landlord.

Masonry has been falling onto the pavement below, posing a significant safety risk.

More than a decade of disrepair has seen significant deterioration, after plans to transform the site into a hotel appear to have stalled.

The situation prompted Mr Rees to initiate a petition calling for Shropshire Council’s intervention.

That petition has now been signed by more than a thousand residents - exceeding the number required for it to be debated by the council.

Mr Anderson said he was delighted to meet Mr Rees at the site, alongside fellow resident Richard North.

They discussed the potential of the historic building.

Aspirations for future use recently discussed at a public meeting include a new library, food hall, theatre, or a mixed-use community hub.

The petition states: “The New Market Buildings are a significant landmark in Bridgnorth that hold particular historical and architectural value.

"The building is grade II listed but has fallen into disrepair under the absentee owner who has left the building to crumble for over 10 years.” 

Under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, owners of buildings with special historic or architectural interest have additional responsibilities for its upkeep.

Councils can intervene if the building deteriorates and action is not taken by site owners.

Powers available to the Council include the option of compulsory purchase, a legal mechanism by which it can acquire the land to support the site’s regeneration in the public interest.

Shropshire Council previously instructed the owner to make repairs and keep the exterior maintained to a high standard in 2018 but no significant work has yet been carried out.

The petition adds: "If the owner does not make repairs within a reasonable timeframe, we call for a Compulsory Purchase Order to bring the building back into public ownership."

Mr Anderson said: "South Shropshire is home to many historic buildings – like New Market Hall in Bridgnorth. Yet, urgent action is needed to ensure its continued use. So, I was delighted to meet Bridgnorth locals, Huw Rees and Richard North to discuss it.

"Huw has initiated a petition calling on Shropshire Council to use its powers to acquire the building for the good of the community if urgent remedial action is not taken by the owners. After a decade of disrepair, it is time to revive the building for the future.”

The ePetition runs until 12th February 2024. So far 1,134 people have signed it.

The petition can be found at https://shropshire.gov.uk/committee-services/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=500000068&RPID=547339348&HPID=547339348