Great news from our friends at the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT). Following the success of its pilot phase in Amber Valley, the DHBT is expanding its innovative Buildings at Risk (B@R) survey to Derby City, thanks to a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The project, which enlists local volunteers to help safeguard historic buildings, will officially launch in Derby with two public information sessions this April.
Public Launch Events in Derby
The DHBT is inviting anyone interested in Derby’s heritage to attend one of two public information sessions:
- Wednesday 2nd April, 3-5pm – The Old Bell Ballroom, Sadler Gate
- Thursday 3rd April, 6.30-8.30pm – University of Derby Enterprise Centre
These events will introduce attendees to the B@R app, a pioneering digital tool that allows volunteers to record and monitor the condition of Derby’s Grade II listed buildings. The app uses a colour-coded system to categorise buildings by their state of repair, creating an invaluable resource for conservation efforts. Volunteers will receive hands-on training and support from the DHBT team, making it easy for anyone to get involved—no prior experience required.
Those interested in attending should visit the ‘What’s On’ section of the DHBT website to book a free ticket.
Building on Success
The B@R project was first launched in Belper in autumn 2024, with members of the PDP Heritage team in attendance. Since then, dedicated volunteers have surveyed more than 500 Grade II listed buildings. With its expansion to Derby City, the project aims to recruit even more local people who share a passion for heritage and want to help protect the region’s architectural history.
Anna Cluley, DHBT’s Heritage Development Officer and project coordinator, is enthusiastic about the next phase:
“We’ve been delighted by the response to our Buildings at Risk project in Amber Valley and are incredibly grateful to our volunteers. Now, we’re excited to bring the survey to Derby City and engage even more people in preserving their local heritage. Volunteering is flexible—you can do it in your own time and at your own pace—making it a perfect opportunity for anyone who enjoys history or exploring their local area.”
Strengthening Community Partnerships
DHBT is working in partnership with Derby City Council, as well as developing close links with local universities and community groups to ensure as many people as possible can take part in this initiative. This collaborative approach not only helps identify at-risk buildings but also encourages people to connect with their local history in new and meaningful ways.
Councillor Shiraz Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Strategic Planning and Regulatory Services said:
“We’re thrilled that the invaluable work of DHBT and their volunteers to safeguard historic buildings is being expanded to cover Derby. This innovative project has already made a huge difference in preserving local heritage and ensuring that it is maintained for future generations. I’d encourage anyone who is interested in the project and thinks that they may be able to volunteer to come along to one of the information sessions and find out if you can get involved. Together we can work to care for our historically significant buildings and preserve their heritage for years to come.”
Looking Ahead for Buildings at Risk
After Derby City, DHBT plans to expand the project to other areas of Derbyshire. Those interested in getting involved—whether or not their area is currently being surveyed—are encouraged to register their interest by emailing: volunteers@derbyshirehistoricbuildingstrust.org.uk
Find Out More
For further details on the project, visit www.derbyshirehistoricbuildingstrust.org.uk/buildings-at-risk or follow @dhbtrust on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
It is with thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players that this project has been made possible.
Photographs:
- A DHBT volunteer surveying a Grade II listed building using the B@R app. (Photo credit: Ellin Belton)
- A close-up view of the Buildings at Risk app, showing the colour-coding system. (Photo credit DHBT and Mergin Maps)
- MAIN IMAGE: DHBT Buildings at Risk volunteers surveying Grade II listed buildings in South Wingfield. (Photo credit: Miles McIntosh)
About Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT)
Founded in 1974, DHBT is a county-wide Building Preservation Trust that has saved more than 100 historic buildings through 21 major projects. The Trust’s mission is to:
- Safeguard Derbyshire’s historic buildings
- Repurpose buildings that are no longer fit for their original use
- Support people in living and working in historic buildings
- Promote access to and enjoyment of local heritage
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future as set out in the strategic plan, Heritage 2033.
Over the next ten years, the Heritage Fund aims to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to bring about benefits for people, places and the natural environment.
The Heritage Fund helps protect, transform and share the things from the past that people care about, from popular museums and historic places, our natural environment and fragile species, to the languages and cultural traditions that celebrate who we are.
The Heritage Fund is passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.
