Introducing the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust

Historic buildings are all around us in the West Midlands. They are often more interesting and more attractive than modern buildings, and form a valuable part of our everyday life, adding variety and interest to the urban scene, which makes our towns and cities unique. They would certainly be missed if they disappeared, but sadly many historic buildings are at risk. Why are Historic Buildings at risk? Historic buildings are expensive to maintain, and if they are not maintained properly, they decline rapidly. This often happens when a building has outlived its original purpose, as it can be difficult to find a new use for it. Many people may know of such a building in their area. Buildings that are left empty are often not looked after as well as ones that are occupied, and once they have begun to deteriorate, they are also vulnerable to vandalism. Within a few months, a building can reach the point where it is beyond economic repair - in other words, the restoration costs are greater than the value of the building. In this situation, a historic building becomes a ‘problem’ that most developers cannot afford to tackle - but a Building Preservation Trust may be able to help. Building Preservation Trusts A Building Preservation Trust can save these ‘problem’ buildings. A Building Preservation Trust is a charity, which acts as a ‘rolling fund.’ The Trust purchases a ‘problem’ building, repairs it, converts it for a new use, sells it, then reinvests the proceeds in another ‘problem’ building, and so on. This is how the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust operates. As a Registered Charity (registered charity number 516158), the Trust is able to attract grants and easy-term loans not available to most other developers. This means that a Trust can tackle the ‘problem’ buildings that others cannot. The West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust The West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust is a Building Preservation Trust dedicated to the conservation of historic buildings in the West Midlands. The Trust grew out of an initiative by the former West Midlands County Council, and was re-launched in 1990. The Trust is run by a Council of Management and based at the Company Offices in Stourbridge. Members of the Council are elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting, which is held in May. All Council members are volunteers, but most have expertise in the conservation field, and are experienced in dealing with historic buildings. The Council meets regularly, to discuss progress on the current building project, publicity, fund-raising, events and other matters. Activities and Events As well as saving historic buildings, the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust organises a varied programme of talks, visits, and other events that generally relate in some way to buildings or sites of architectural, historic or archaeological interest. Non-members are welcome to attend the events for a nominal charge, which is refunded if they join the Trust on the day. Events are held throughout the West Midlands at a variety of venues - see our latest newsletter or exhibition for details of up and coming talks and visits. Members can also get involved in volunteer working parties on current projects, helping with practical tasks, such as rubbish removal and garden clearance. Why should people join the trust? By joining the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust, you will be helping to support us in saving local buildings at risk, and you will have an opportunity to learn more about other restoration projects going on in the area. As well as this, you will receive a quarterly Newsletter containing articles of general interest and details of forthcoming events. Of course, members also have free admission to most of the events organised by the Trust. How to join Membership of the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust is open to anyone interested in historic buildings, and who wishes to become involved. There are three categories of membership: Individual £6; Family £8; and Corporate £12. To join, simply return the slip attached to the Trust’s leaflet to its registered office:- The West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust, Company Offices, Canal Street, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY8 4LU, from where the Membership slips can also be obtained.