Monthly Archives: July 2014

The RIBA are inviting entries for the biennial Annie Spink Award for architectural education, with a deadline of 5pm on 11 September 2014. RIBA writes: The biennial award is open to individuals or groups, teaching in a school anywhere in … Continue reading →

The first awards from the Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund (which was introduced in an announcement in the last budget) have now been awarded. DCMS writes: Culture Secretary Sajid Javid announced today, that cathedrals across England will receive almost £5million for … Continue reading →

Steve Baker, Conservative MP for Wycombe, recently chaired a debate in the Westminster Parliament on the issue of public consent in local planning. The debate raised issues of the degree of participation in local development plans, and siting of housing … Continue reading →

Members who attended the recent IHBC’s Edinburgh Annual School and heard the presentation by Mike Galloway on his work in Dundee and the ‘Art of conservation at a Masterplanning level’, will be especially interested to learn that the prestigious title … Continue reading →

Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones has fired his Environment Minister Alun Davies and will not appoint a successor. Davies was dismissed for putting pressure on civil servants for private information about opposition Assembly Members. He was already under scrutiny over … Continue reading →

A new student competition has been launched, entitled ‘Urban SOS: Towards a New Industry’, which encourages exploration of the development economics and socio-political issues of developing a derelict site when faced by ‘real world’ challenges, with the closing date for … Continue reading →

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) is organising opportunities for those who work in third sector organisations to team up with civil service workers and experience a ‘day in the life’ of someone in a related position in a … Continue reading →

The latest survey work carried out by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has revealed problems in the availability of construction skills to complete projects in many trades. The FMB writes: Commenting on the results of the FMB’s State of … Continue reading →

Point in Time are trying to raise funding and interest in the unique and historic Redditch needle factory, which is at risk of imminent demolition and still contains original equipment. Proposals involve saving the buildings through conservation and repair work, … Continue reading →

The invitation only (and oversubscribed) ‘Heritage Exchange’ conference organised by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to debate challenges and opportunities in the heritage sector is to be livestreamed, with invited comments, questions and interactions, via social media. The HLF writes: … Continue reading →

Simon Ridley, previously the Director of Local Government Finance at the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has taken up the post of Chief Executive of the Planning Inspectorate. Prior to joining DCLG, Ridley worked for 13 years at … Continue reading →

A site which has been on the World Monuments Fund (WMF) biennial advocacy programme for threatened cultural heritage worldwide since 2012 is now benefitting from a newly formed partnership group to help promote the site and oversee the process of … Continue reading →

The latest issue of the journal of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), Context, to go online is our ‘Heritage and nationhood’ issue, No 132, from November 2013, which looks at the effects of national identity on the historic … Continue reading →

A call in on the proposed partial demolition of Smithfield Market has resulted in refusal , as the Communities secretary accuses City Corporation of ‘deliberate neglect’ over buildings’ condition and endorses the Inspector’s findings in the following words: ‘…[the Secretary … Continue reading →

The Secretary of State for Wales, David Jones MP, has urged the Welsh Government to reform the planning system in his keynote speech to the Policy Forum for Wales. The Rt. Hon Mr Jones said: ‘As we call on investors … Continue reading →

England’s latest study on cultural engagement reveals that 73% of adults have visited a historic site in the last year, and 31% visit 3 to 4 times a year. DCMS writes: New data from the Taking Part survey released today … Continue reading →

The Local Government Association (LGA) has recently conducted research into public bodies working together to share facilities, land and buildings, stating that ‘buildings which are no longer affordable as single-use facilities could be saved from closure if public bodies work … Continue reading →

The Network for Planning Enforcement (NAPE) has recently featured a case study of a semi detached Edwardian property in a conservation area in Stockport where timber windows were replaced without first applying for planning permission (as the area was subject … Continue reading →

The European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards is one of Europe’s prestigious prizes in the heritage field, and the 2015 nominations are now open, with a closing date of 15 October 2014. Europa Nostra writes: Every year, [the … Continue reading →

The Institute for Conservation, ICON, has announced details of a new fund to help mid career conservators with continuing professional development, with grants of up to £900 available.  ICON writes: Tru Vue Inc has partnered with the Institute of Conservation … Continue reading →

The Mayor of London has issued ‘Character and Context Supplementary Planning Guidance’, urging decision makers to have a full understanding of the heritage and environment of an area before making decisions affecting its future. The Mayor of London writes: The … Continue reading →

An award scheme has been launched by CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale) to celebrate the best public houses and clubs in Britain, particularly recognising standards in refurbishment and conservation, and with the closing date for entry is August  31 … Continue reading →