£40 million to improve historic high streets

Historic England’s successful Heritage Action Zone initiative is to be extended and will help to regenerate England’s struggling historic high streets with the aid of £40 million government funding.

Announced in the Autumn Budget, the funding will see Historic England work with local authorities, Business Improvement Districts, Chambers of Commerce and others to deliver a four-year programme of physical improvements and cultural activities in historic high streets and town centres around the country.

Launched two years ago, Heritage Action Zones are already having an impact in places like Ramsgate and Sunderland. Research shows that investment in the historic fabric of towns and cities brings substantial economic and environmental benefits, making places more attractive to businesses and investors, and helping communities to feel a sense of pride about their area.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “We are delighted to have secured £40 million to work with partners to find new ways to champion and revive our historic high streets. We know that people value their high streets and town centres as spaces where they can meet and feel a sense of communal ownership and belonging. These places tell fascinating stories of how our towns and cities grew and of our shared history.

“Yet we clearly cannot under-estimate the scale of the challenge with empty shops and the significant shift in retail trends, and the impact that it is having in communities up and down the country. Our experience and track record, combined with the knowledge and passion of local councils, businesses and community groups, will help revive the streets which form the hearts of our historic towns.”

Michael Ellis, Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism, added: “Historic buildings, whether that be in medieval market towns or on post-war high streets, are incredibly significant to our communities and our sense of identity. By investing £55 million up and down the country, we will help restore and regenerate our towns and high streets most in need of support, creating places that people want to live, work and visit.”