A Brilliant Start for the Buildings at Risk Project in Bolsover and Chesterfield

The Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust's Buildings at Risk project has expanded into Bolsover and Chesterfield, and the response from local volunteers has been fantastic.

Following the success of the project in Amber Valley, Derby, South Derbyshire and Erewash, the team recently held two public launch events at Bolsover Assembly Hall Community Centre and Barrow Hill Memorial Hall.

The events attracted a wide range of people interested in helping to protect and celebrate the area's historic buildings.

Volunteers learned about the project, the role they can play as Citizen Surveyors, and how to use the innovative Buildings at Risk app to record the condition of Grade II listed buildings.

Developed by the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust with support from Historic England, the app enables volunteers to carry out simple condition surveys that help build a clearer picture of the state of Derbyshire's historic built environment.

The enthusiasm shown at both events was inspiring, with many attendees completing their volunteer training and registering for the project on the day. Even better, several volunteers have already begun surveying buildings across Bolsover and Chesterfield despite the recent wet weather.

The launch events also provided an opportunity to showcase two important historic community buildings. At Barrow Hill Memorial Hall, attendees heard from Simon Redding, Chair of Barrow Hill Community Trust, about the remarkable transformation of the building from a structure at risk into a thriving community hub – a powerful example of what can be achieved through local commitment and investment.

With volunteers already out surveying and more people expressing an interest in getting involved, this latest phase of the Buildings at Risk project is off to an excellent start.

We look forward to sharing updates and discoveries from across Bolsover and Chesterfield in the months ahead.