It was once home to the world's largest glassmaker but now a derelict Black Country complex finds itself on another 'at risk' list.
The Chance Brothers Glassworks in Smethwick comprises nine grade II-listed structures which were built between 1847 and 1860 and can be seen from the M5.
But now The Victorian Society, the charity which campaigns for the preservation of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, has included it on its Top Ten Endangered Buildings list for 2024, marking an unwanted return after it
It is listed on Historic England's At Risk Register as well.
Robert Lucas Chance established Chance Brothers Glassworks on the former British Crown Glass Company site in 1824 and continued to expand the site to become the largest glassmaker in the world.
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The works, off Spon Lane South, employed 3,500 people and supplied structures such as lighthouses, Crystal Palace in London and windows for the White House and the Houses of Parliament.
The brothers were innovative producers of scientific grade glass, applying for 27 British patents, and they developed the first cathode ray tubes, working with John Logie Baird for radar and television sets.
Glass manufacture took place continuously up until 1981 since when the site has stood derelict.
The site features a seven-storey warehouse, bridges and a rare Siemens No7 Regenerative furnace which is thought to be the last existing example in the world.
Deterioration on the canalside of the site has led the Canal & River Trust to close the neighbouring towpath which is a cycle path.
The buildings are now in the care of the Chance Heritage Trust which has proposed a £25 million regeneration scheme for the glassworks.
The work has resulted in a grant submission to the West Midlands Combined Authority for the first phase of the restoration.
The long-term wish is to transform the site into an urban village, including 150 new homes, business space and a heritage centre but securing a capital grant is crucial to save the buildings and deliver the scheme.
James Hughes, director of The Victorian Society, said: "Chance's story is unique and fascinating.
"It is one that is told through the fabric of its site which is in part what makes it so precious and the need to save it so pressing. All strength therefore to the Chance Heritage Trust and its ambitious regeneration scheme.
"Those in positions of influence should take note and must do what they can to support and realise the trust's vision."
The 2024 list has been launched today by comedian Griff Rhys Jones who is president of The Victorian Society.
The nine other buildings on the list are:
- Kennington Boys' School, Lambeth
- The Kursaal, Southend-on-Sea
- Jesmond Dene Banqueting Hall, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
- The former Bramcote Tennis Pavilion, Scarborough
- St Luke's Chapel, Nottingham City Hospital
- St Martins (formerly Roslyn Hoe), Ilfracombe
- St Agnes' Vicarage and Hall, Liverpool
- Former Education Department Offices, Derby
- Cardiff Coal Exchange
