Historic England (HE) has reopened applications for Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) status and support, offering opportunities to improve economic growth and quality of life in cities by breathing new life into old places.
HE writes:
‘Apply for Heritage Action Zone status and support
- Initiative aims to create economic growth and improve quality of life in towns and cities
- Government body especially wants to hear from those who would like to use historic buildings to tackle housing problems
- Join the ten Heritage Action Zones already up and running, from Appleby in Cumbria to King’s Lynn in Norfolk and Ramsgate in Kent
- Applications close 7th August
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Applications are now open to councils, local organisations and groups keen to inject new life into towns and cities that are rich in heritage and full of promise – to make them more attractive to residents, businesses, tourists and investors. The Heritage Action Zone initiative aims to encourage economic growth and improve quality of life in communities across England. Old buildings that have been neglected might be restored and brought back into use as housing, retail or community spaces; conservation areas improved to kick start regeneration; and historic sites developed as visitor attractions.
With ten Heritage Action Zones already up and running, Historic England is rolling out the programme to support more special places across the country. In addition to grant funding, the public body is offering its expertise through a range of services, including:
- Advice on repairing and finding new uses for buildings
- Condition surveys of buildings and monuments
- Advice on planning policy
- Historic Area Assessments to understand and explain the heritage interest of an area and characterisation reports
- Training in how to assess the significance of historic places
- Help with identifying buildings that could be listed to protect them
The existing ten Heritage Action Zones, announced in March 2017, are located in: Appleby, Coventry, Elsecar, Hull, King’s Lynn, Nottingham, Ramsgate, Sunderland, Sutton and Weston-super-Mare. Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said: ‘Sadly, some places in England that are rich in heritage are down on their luck. Towns and cities that were workshops of the world, thriving fishing ports or happy holiday resorts are in need of a boost. Through the Heritage Action Zone initiative, we’re working with local authorities and other partners to help transform places across England and strengthen their local economies. This year we’re particularly interested to hear from those who would like to use historic buildings to tackle the housing problems facing many communities.’
Applications for Heritage Action Zone status and support must come from partnerships; this could consist of public, private and third sector organisations – and must include at least one local authority partner. An area needs to have significant historic interest, with the potential to make greater use of its heritage to support the social, economic and environmental needs of the place.
Prioritisation will be given to areas which deliver economic growth, with a particular focus in 2018 on housing. The deadline for Initial Proposals is 7th August 2017. Interested organisations and groups are invited to contact their local Historic England office to discuss a potential project prior to submitting their Initial Proposal.
