Saved for the nation – The Red Wing at Croome Court

A crumbling and derelict Grade I listed building on the brink of collapse in south Worcestershire, has been purchased and saved for the nation following joint action by Malvern Hills District Council, The National Trust, English Heritage and the Croome Heritage Trust.

The Service Wing, also known as The Red Wing, which is attached to Croome Court, has been in a state of severe disrepair for several years and is approaching the point of collapse.  Its decline has been so severe that it is in the worst condition of any Grade I listed building in Worcestershire on English Heritage’s Heritage at Risk Register and is one of their highest priorities for action in the West Midlands.

Malvern Hills District Council, assisted by English Heritage, had resolved to serve a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire the Red Wing but before this could be served the owner accepted an offer from the Croome Heritage Trust to purchase the building.

The Trust will now embark on an extensive programme of repairs and stabilisation to make the Red Wing structurally sound, wind and water tight.  They will be leasing the building to the National Trust who have assisted with the purchase and will be helping to fund the repairs.

David Hughes, Portoflio Holder for Planning & Housing said:

“Croome Court and its setting is historically and architecturally one of the most important estates in the county.  Our conservation officers have worked hard to ensure that the building has been saved and we look forward to seeing the result of the programme of repairs that can now be undertaken under new ownership.”