Finding New Life for our Heritage Assets
This seminar-workshop looked how heritage assets can be re-used as part of their future preservation. Delegates heard from a variety of perspectives: the funding and enabling body, the large landowner, the destination and heritage consultant, a national charity known for its commercial reuse of historic buildings, local civic societies, and special interest community groups.
What emerged from the presentations, discussions and the workshop were the key actions that local authorities can take to halt the decline of unloved heritage assets, help local trusts to acquire them, and work with local people in finding new uses. The range of long-term and meanwhile uses that can bring new life to buildings and spaces is extensive, and local creative organisations and people can play a role in this rethinking process. Planning for the long-term viability of rescued buildings is as important as their preservation, so that different organisations and individuals play to their strengths, and recognise the stages of a project. Funding bodies are a source not only of financial support but also project management and skills development advice. Each of the examples presented provided great motivation and inspiration for delegates’ own work.
Programme
Communities Transforming their Heritage – Matthew McKeague, The Architectural Heritage Fund
The Role of Professionals and Communities in Finding New Uses for Historic Places – Anthony Downs, Gascoyne Estates
Finding Viable New Uses – David Geddes, Destination Consulting, Colliers International
The Bridport Literary and Scientific Institute – Trevor Ware, Bridport Area Development Trust
What Makes for a Viable New Use – Alastair Dick-Cleland, The Landmark Trust
Workshop: Making a local landmark viable again? Louise Thomas, HTVF
The Old School, Wolverton – Marie Osborne, , Future Wolverton
Creating a Legacy: Devizes Assize Court – Colin Johns, Devizes Assize Court Trust