REVIT Heritage Report.pdf

Torfaen County Borough Council
REVIT: A Review of the Conservation of Industrial Heritage Assets on Brownfield Sites
5 Conclusions
5.1 Introduction
5.1.1 Industrial heritage is increasingly recognised as a valuable and finite resource
which forms part of our common European cultural heritage. Large parts of
this legacy have already been lost and so it is vital to preserve the remaining
sustainable elements of our industrial buildings, monuments and
archaeological sites for future generations. The regeneration schemes which
this report has examined generally, though not exclusively, involve a range of
standing industrial buildings and structures, although sub-surface
archaeological remains can be just as important to interpreting a site.
5.1.2 In this respect a central principle for providing the long-term conservation of
historic buildings is that the most sympathetic form of re-use is nearly always
the use closest to its existing or original function. However, the size and
design of a building or structure, the level of statutory protection, the
geographic location, the local economic requirements and community needs
will always be important constraints in the regeneration of industrial sites.
5.1.3 Secondly finding a sustainable economic function is frequently the best way of
ensuring the future preservation of a building. The loss of a sustainable
function can make historic buildings vulnerable to demolition, neglect or
vandalism. One solution to the problem of decline is to pre-empt that cycle of
decline, if possible, and plan for re-use as buildings become vacant.
5.1.4 However, there must always be a balance between conserving the industrial
heritage and new development. Brownfield sites are often archaeologically
sensitive and require a proper assessment of sub-surface features in advance
of design proposals. In terms of historic standing structures and sub-surface
archaeology, early consultation is recommended in order that any constraints
can be avoided in the design process and where this is not possible, any
archaeological sites are recorded in advance, avoiding time and programming
difficulties.
5.1.5 Sustainable tourism can also improve the balance between more or less
affluent areas and contribute to the safeguarding of cultural heritage and the
improvement the quality of life and education. Tourism is a key component in
the safeguarding of the cultural heritage, functioning landscapes and the
maintenance of biodiversity.
5.2 European Perspectives
5.2.1 There are many common themes to these European case studies. These
include:
• Transportation features: railways, canals; and
• Waterways: rivers, docks, harbours, canals
5.2.2 During the 20 th century many historic dockyards, canals and waterways were
abandoned but, where they survive, these represent an important resource
which provides ecological habitats and in many cases can still supply
sustainable tourism or a method of transporting bulky materials. In addition,
most waterfronts have a distinctive historic character which, after regeneration,
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