image for illustration: Open Government Licence v3.0
Historic England (HE) has published an independent evaluation of the High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme, England’s first heritage-led regeneration programme to go beyond restoration, redefining how high streets are revitalised.
Historic England writes:
Led by Historic England, in partnership with Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the programme ran from 2020 to 2024 and unlocked the potential of 67 historic high streets across England.
Developed in response to the changing use of high streets, Historic England’s innovative, heritage-led solution demonstrates how the loosening of the grip of retail on the high street can be an opportunity to reimagine them as vibrant centres of their community.
Recognising cultural heritage as a catalyst for regeneration, the programme was designed around 3 core objectives:
- To support sustainable economic and cultural growth on and around high streets
- To change perceptions of heritage and high streets
- To restore and enhance local historic character
