The new Historic England (HE) Heritage Action Zones (HAZ) initiative is intended to help bring sustainable development to under-valued historic areas across England.
HE writes:
Across England, the ancient and historic parts of our towns and cities are also their social and economic centres. Historic quarters give places their character and individuality – a focus for community pride, a sense of shared history, and a sense of belonging. Research shows that businesses based in older places are more productive than their peers, and well-kept historic places add greatly to cultural life and community resilience.
But there remains untapped potential across the country. Villages, old towns, neighbourhoods and quarters that are rich in industrial, rural, cultural or faith heritage, are often under-valued and under-used. They can become symbols of deprivation and dilapidation rather than regeneration and renewal. Historic England wants to unlock this potential.
We are seeking historic places that have the potential to become focal points for sustainable economic development and community life. Working with local partners, we will focus our help and resources on these places to bring them to life. We will spread this effort across the country – a Heritage Action Zone can be based in any region.
What makes a Heritage Action Zone?
Whether you’re interested in regenerating a wider area such as a place in decline, a whole town, or a conservation area, the Heritage Action Zone approach will harness Historic England’s expertise and resources to help.
To be considered for Heritage Action Zone status an area needs to be of significant historic interest, and able to contribute to the social, economic and environmental needs of a place.
Potential Heritage Action Zones can be:
- Urban or rural
- A streetscape, series of buildings or multiple places
- Include both listed and unlisted sites
See cases on the HE website
