Shrewsbury’s ruined Old St Chad’s Church could be turned into a visitor centre to help ensure its survival for future generations, according to an English Heritage expert.
Bill Klemperer, West Midlands inspector of ancient monuments, said more could also be made of the town’s medieval town walls as a heritage feature and tourist attraction.
Both structures are included in the 2009 Heritage at Risk register, compiled by English Heritage, listing thousands of buildings, monuments, parks and gardens nationwide at risk from neglect, decay and pressure from development.
Old St Chad’s Church, founded in Saxon times, collapsed overnight in 1788. Its largely Norman remains are said to be deteriorating and in need of management.
The 13th century town walls, on top of which is the road known as Town Walls, are built of soft sandstone, parts of which are eroding and have been damaged by traffic. Their condition is said to be fair.
Mr Klemperer said he was in talks with Shropshire Council, owner of both structures, about how to prevent further deterioration and making more of them as a tourist attraction.
“The problem with Old St Chad’s is there is no day-to-day use. We would like to see some sort of function for the building and long-term management. It’s set in a beautiful square in the loop of the river and there is potential for it becoming a visitor centre. There is also scope for repairs and better interpretation of the town walls.”
Gareth Proffitt, spokesman for Shropshire Council, said the authority was interested in developing a scheme to maintain and improve the town walls and Old St Chad’s Church.
The register also lists dozens of at risk monuments near Shrewsbury, including Roman villas at Pontesbury and Harley, motte castle remains at Little Shrawardine, Alberbury, Condover and Westbury, a medieval fishpond at Haughmond, Atcham Bridge and the Nag’s Head engine House at Pontesbury.
Mr Klemperer said English Heritage was talking to landowners, offering advice and grant aid to help protect the monuments.