BEAUTIFUL buildings across Brighton and Hove are at risk of being lost to decay, neglect and inappropriate development, a heritage group warns.

Several sites across the city are on Historic England’s Heritage "At Risk List", which was updated last month.

The list aims to identify structures which are in need of protection in a bid to secure their future.

Here are some of the most noteworthy sites in Brighton and Hove to be named on the list:

The Argus:

1. Brighton Hippodrome, Middle Street, Brighton

One of the most notable buildings to be included on the list is the Brighton Hippodrome in Middle Street.

The venue has played host to the likes of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, but has fallen into a state of disrepair after lying unused for 13 years.

It has recently been bought by family-run company Matsim Properties,with the firm hoping to refurbish the Grade II listed property over the next few years.

The Argus:

2. West Pier, Brighton

The West Pier, brainchild of architect Eugenius Birch in 1864, is also on the list though Historic England recognises the site is in “very bad” condition.

It follows a fire which ripped through the site in 2003.

As a result, the heritage group conceded that “the combination of significant damage and cost of repair make restoration from public funds uneconomic”.

The Argus:

3. Madeira Arches, Madeira Drive, Brighton

Another prominent feature of the seafront to be included on the at risk list is the Madeira Arches.

They are heralded by Historic England as a “remarkable example of 19th century engineering”.

But “structural stability is a serious concern” and the arches are closed to the public as a result.

A Madeira Arches restoration scheme is currently under way, with Brighton and Hove City Council saying that “a design team will create sensitive, innovative and regenerative designs for a terrace structure”.

The Argus:

5. Valley Gardens, Brighton

It is not just buildings that are included on the list.

Conservation areas can also be marked as “at risk” to encourage action to be taken to protect them.

One of these is Valley Gardens, the green space running from The Level to the Aquarium roundabout.

Following the council’s regeneration of the site over recent years, Historic England said the vulnerability of the area was low, and the condition was “improving”.

The Argus:

6. The Church of St Peter

Within Valley Gardens, the Church of St Peter is also listed as at risk.

Designed by Sir Charles Barry and built between 1824 and 1828, repairs are currently being carried out with funding sought for further refurbishments.

As a result, much of the structure has been obscured by scaffolding in recent years.

The Argus:

7. Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton

Historic England expressed concern for the condition of the gardens due to “high levels of visitor use and recreational pressure”.

The group said the condition of the area is “declining” and its vulnerability is “high”.

However, there is hope as the Royal Pavilion and Museums was awarded National Lottery Heritage Funding in 2019 to conserve the vulnerable Regency landscape.

The Argus:

8. Church of St Mary the Virgin, St James's Street, Brighton

This Grade-II listed building is designated as a "priority" by Historic England as there is an "immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric".

The organisation states: "A large late Victorian red brick building by William Emerson.

"Comprises a chancel with five-sided apse, two vestries, transepts and four bay nave with north and south aisles and incomplete tower.

"The exterior brickwork, stone around the windows and other stone details are in a very poor condition and there is damp penetration at north end.

"The north elevation has been repaired with a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with a second phase to the west elevation and tower completed recently.

"Further phases to the other elevations are still to be done."

The Argus:

9. Queen's Park, Brighton

This is a Conservation Area. Historic England say the condition is "deteriorating" but the area is of a "low" vulnerability.

The Argus:

10. Church of St Paul, West Street, Brighton

Another Grade-II listed place of worship, Historic England say temporary protection has been provided to prevent "rapid deterioration" at the site.

The organisation states: "A church designed by Richard Cromwell Carpenter in 1846-8 and built by George Cheeseman.

"The tower and spire are by Richard Herbert Carpenter.

"The narthex, Fishermen's Institute (west end) and covered way are by George Frederick Bodley.

"Large fragments of stone and flint have fallen from the tower, which is adjacent to a busy shopping street."The church, alongside the Brighton Hippodrome in Middle Street, are located within the Old Town Conservation Area.