Clearview 242 - January 2022 | Page 19

INDUSTRY NEWS

‘ HERITAGE-LED REGENERATION KEY TO HISTORIC TOWNS ’ FUTURE ’

The ‘ Historic Opportunities ’ report from national planning and development consultancy , Lichfields comes at a time of changing fortunes for the nation ’ s historic towns and sheds light on the environmental , economic and social contributions that heritage-led regeneration can deliver long-term for hundreds of locations across the country .

It considers how long-term thinking and a holistic approach to regeneration are keys to success , recognising that the most effective way to plan for strong and vibrant future high streets and town centres is through projects focused ‘ more than ever ’ on repurposing heritage assets in ambitious and creative ways to meet society ’ s changing needs .
The report builds on the themes contained in Lichfields ‘ Moving on Up ?’ report , which analysed over 100 bids for three key funding streams aimed at delivering town centre regeneration : the £ 3.6bn Towns Fund , the £ 1bn Future High Streets Fund ( of which £ 95m is set aside for High Street Heritage Action Zones ) and most recently the £ 4.8bn Levelling Up Fund .
This revealed that heritage-led regeneration is among six key themes underpinning these bids ; the reasons for this are considered in greater detail within the Historic Opportunities report . The report demonstrates that when done well , heritage-led regeneration is not just an expedient ‘ sticking plaster ’ applied to cover up deep-rooted problems , it can be a powerful and recognisable indicator of change that inspires confidence , local pride and further investment .
Almost half of the current buildings in retail use and 33 % of office buildings were built before 1919 with many of these suffering from chronic neglect or having been poorly adapted in response to various cycles of economic and social change . However , while targeted investment in the restoration and reuse of heritage assets to deliver wider economic and social benefits is not a new approach , the report finds that
Nick Bridgland
James Fryatt
the way heritage-led regeneration is being implemented has evolved and is now far more complex and multi-layered .
The report highlights that the tendency to think that simply restoring historic buildings and adding new shopfronts and usable floorspace will be enough to deliver regeneration and attract new occupiers , has given way to more effective heritage-led regeneration projects that are predicated on clearer business and investment strategies . These are designed to complement and form an embedded part of wider investment programmes , which are aimed at improving local economies through investment in infrastructure , new industries and technologies .
Embedding heritage-led regeneration in this way harnesses investment ’ s potential to inspire action and promote initiatives
as well as delivering more effective and sustainable regeneration results .
James Fryatt , planner and heritage consultant at Lichfields Newcastle office and the report ’ s lead author , said : “ Heritage-led regeneration projects need to be focused more than ever on reusing assets in ambitious and creative ways to respond to people ’ s changing lifestyle , work and shopping habits . In the high street for instance , this will see historic buildings increasingly adapted to reflect changes in retail and growing demand for leisure activities , creative and flexible workspaces , and housing in sustainable and accessible locations .
“ It ’ s also about bringing the history of towns to the surface , engaging communities in heritage projects and enhancing places with the aim of attracting new businesses , visitors and residents .”
The ‘ Historic Opportunities ’ report also considers two case studies - North Shields Fish Quay in the North East and Grimsby in Lincolnshire - and how they are now looking to a brighter future on the back of far-sighted heritage funding . This funding is continuing to revitalise these places as part of long-term regeneration strategies , which are delivering transformative change whilst also revealing a rich heritage .
Nick Bridgland , Lichfields ’ heritage director , added : “ This is an important report and comes at a time of rapid change for our historic towns . Heritage-led investment must be far more dynamic because it ’ s such a valuable tool for regeneration . The key to long-term success is to see it as part of an overarching holistic approach embedded within wider programmes of investment aimed at revitalising places that have been left behind .
“ There are many positives on the horizon and our report points to a successful future for those historic towns that take advantage of the available funding and adopt a fresh approach to heritage-led regeneration work .”
www . lichfields . uk
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