Marcus Binney CBE wins European heritage award

SAVE founder and president, Marcus Binney

A Jersey resident has been announced as one of the winners of a European heritage award.

Marcus Binney CBE, the founder and president of SAVE Britain's Heritage, was one of 26 winners from across 18 countries.

The winners of Europa Nostra’s Heritage Champions Awards were selected by the awards’ jury which was made up of 12 heritage experts from across Europe.

“Marcus Binney is a daring, courageous and fearless leader who has set the standard for heritage campaigning over the past 50 years," the jury said.

'An inspiration'

Europa Nostra said Mr Binney had been a "guiding force for raising public awareness of European cultural heritage for over 50 years".

It said Mr Binney co-founded SAVE Britain's Heritage in 1975 following the demolition of historic buildings throughout the UK when they were demolished "at the rate of one per day".

Mr Binney helped begin a movement which alerted the public to the scale of the loss, Europa Nostra said.

"His wide-reaching influence and inspiring leadership have revolutionised the protection and conservation of heritage in the United Kingdom and abroad," it said.

Henrietta Billings, director of SAVE Britain's Heritage, said Mr Binney was an "inspiration" to work with.

"The Custom House and Smithfield Market in London, to the Welsh Streets in Liverpool and Wentworth Woodhouse in South Yorkshire, all are testament to his influence, vision, persuasion and determination," Ms Billings said.

"We look forward to continuing to fight for threatened buildings across the UK as a leading voice in the sector."