Somerset Council has confirmed that there are no current plans to demolish Building 11, a derelict and listed structure located near Chard Leisure Centre. This decision follows the council’s withdrawal of demolition plans earlier in 2023.
Chard Leisure Centre, managed by Freedom Leisure, opened to the public on November 8, 2021, as part of South Somerset District Council’s regeneration efforts. It is situated within the former ACI complex on Silver Street, close to Boden Mill. While most buildings on the site underwent redevelopment, Building 11 was preserved with hopes of repurposing it, potentially as the town’s new library.
Attempts to relocate Chard’s library to Building 11 from its current location at Holyrood Lace Mill were unsuccessful, which initially led the council to consider demolishing the boarded-up structure. However, the council, now under Somerset Council governance since April 2023, decided against demolition, opting instead to review future strategies for the building and other properties in its portfolio.
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A council spokesperson explained, “Building 11 is within the curtilage of the listed Boden Mill. We are not currently considering its demolition but remain focused on optimizing our estate.” Although the council has been selling off non-operational assets to support frontline services, with Boden Mill included in the list, Building 11 remains fenced off and secured at the Silver Street entrance.
Historic England has long advocated for the preservation of Building 11 due to its historical significance as part of Chard’s lace-making heritage. Rhiannon Rhys, an inspector of historic buildings for Historic England, emphasized in December 2021 that the building is “a tangible reminder” of the town’s involvement in the British lace industry. She added that the loss of such buildings diminishes the town’s character and identity and suggested that Building 11 could have a sustainable new use in the future.
For now, Building 11 stands preserved, awaiting potential new purpose while retaining its place within Chard’s rich industrial history.