New Market Building, Bridgnorth – a joint statement

Joint statement from Shropshire Council and Bridgnorth Town Council

The New Market Building is a large and impressive Victorian building that stands in a prominent location at the southern end of Bridgnorth’s High Street. Built between 1855 and 1859 in the Italianate style, and listed at Grade II, it was designed by local architect Robert Griffiths of Quatford. It was originally intended to serve at the town’s indoor market but this proved unsuccessful and it subsequently had numerous uses over the years.

This proud part of Bridgnorth’s built heritage is now suffering from the effects of a prolonged period of under use and neglect. This has been recognised by the Victorian Society, who have just added it to their Top 10 most endangered buildings for 2026.

Shropshire Council and Bridgnorth Town Council are issuing this joint statement to make it clear that responsibility for the poor condition of this building rests squarely with the current private owner, who has now demonstrated long-term failure to repair and maintain it or to progress their scheme to convert it to a hotel.

Repairing and finding new uses for this important historic building requires sustained commitment and significant investment, and will therefore take time. However, Shropshire Council and Bridgnorth Town Council recognise that regenerating this building has the potential to boost the local economy and revitalise the wider town centre. As a result, both councils are prepared to work together with local campaigners, Historic England, the Victorian Society and others to find a better future for it.

To this end, and with the assistance of some initial Heritage at Risk grant funding from Historic England, Shropshire Council are currently reviewing what planning enforcement options are available to it. Likewise, Shropshire Council’s building control team continues to monitor the safety of the building, last visiting it on 5 May 2026, and did not consider it to be dangerous.

Both councils will continue to work together with all interested parties and will provide updates when significant points of progress are reached.

David Walker, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for planning, said:

“The New Market Building has been a problem building in Bridgnorth town centre for many years and its current dilapidated condition is detrimentally affecting the wider High Street. The private owner has an extended track record of failing to properly care for this important historic building. Whilst this will be a long-term endeavour and public funding is very scarce, Shropshire Council is engaging with Bridgnorth Town Council and all interested stakeholders to try to resolve this situation.”

Peter Husemann, Shropshire Councillor for Bridgnorth Castle Division, said:

“If we all work together on this I’m hopeful that with real collaboration, determination and some creativity will deliver a good outcome for the people of Bridgnorth.  It would be great to see this beautiful old building given a new lease of life and it would really help to reinvigorate that end of the High Street.”

Chris Aked, Bridgnorth Town Mayor, said:

“Bridgnorth Town Council remains committed to working constructively with Shropshire Council and all relevant partners to help secure the best possible outcome for the New Market Buildings. We recognise the importance of the site to residents, businesses and the wider future of Bridgnorth, and we will continue to engage positively to support a solution that benefits the whole community.”