REVIT Heritage Report.pdf

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Torfaen County Borough Council REVIT: A Review of the Conservation of Industrial Heritage Assets on Brownfield Sites strategic overview to be involved in co-ordinating the phases of urban regeneration that involve heritage. 5.4.4 The impact of individual projects can only be sustained if local authorities operate the system of statutory heritage protection effectively and fairly, including statutory consent, enforcement, repairs notices, compulsory purchase orders and directions. 5.4.5 There is a delicate relationship between any regeneration funding and the operation of the local property market. Initial investment may change perceptions of an area which can then create a speculative property market where properties are bought up and left empty in the hope of a rising market. 5.4.6 Archaeological sites, historic buildings and green spaces are often the key to regeneration schemes: individually they can be centrepieces, landmarks, or symbols of an area; collectively they can set a framework, a context, or an architectural standard. However, whilst many heritage schemes have focused very much on physical repairs to property it is important that there should be a sustainable use for the property and that there should be strong community involvement in the scheme. 5.4.7 High quality historic buildings actually set the architectural standards for adjacent new developments. The very presence of historic buildings demands sensitive and high quality architecture. Some of the most exciting and stimulating urban areas derive their character from an inventive juxtaposition of old and new. 5.4.8 The quality of conservation work will be an important element in the success of any regeneration project. Well-conserved historic buildings, archaeological sites and spaces can add value to a place; poor conservation can erode the character and quality of an area just as easily as poor new design. 5.4.9 A recent English Heritage survey reported (English Heritage, 2003) that: • a MORI poll for Heritage Counts 2003 revealed that 92% of people thought it important to keep historic features when regenerating towns and cities and 90% said heritage meant their local area as well as castles and stately homes. 82% thought heritage could be fun; • houses built before 1919 are worth, on average, some 20% more than an equivalent house from a more recent era; • a Victorian terraced house is cheaper to maintain over a 100-year period than a 1980’s house; • the total energy already used in the construction of a typical Victorian terrace would power a car to go five times round the earth, or halfway to the moon; • a total of 130,000 new houses are built every year but only 20,000 new homes each year result from conversions of existing stock; • not all empty houses can be made habitable again. But there are 40,000 privately owned long-term vacant properties in London and 30,000 in the South East – areas where there is a shortage of homes for key workers. 5.4.10 Their inhabitants often hold historic areas in great affection; they are very much part of "the cherished local scene" and their maintenance and improvement is the subject of great local pride. They contribute to social engagement, even health and well-being. The repair of historic buildings, 0014021/JM/001 43
Torfaen County Borough Council REVIT: A Review of the Conservation of Industrial Heritage Assets on Brownfield Sites therefore, makes a positive contribution to urban regeneration by contributing to the quality and distinctiveness of local areas. 5.4.11 Historic areas may incorporate a variety of archaeological features, architectural styles and materials, and are constructed over many years, and their richness and complexity can be image defining. Individually or collectively the industrial heritage generates public interest and a wellconserved historic environment can be used to develop heritage and culture based tourism. 5.4.12 Some historic areas are based on the local vernacular building tradition using materials which are only locally available, thus they are often unique, and help define the image of an area. Heritage conservation can also be used to raise awareness of traditional skills in areas. The increase in skills in a particular area can help to improve the historic building stock of the surrounding area and generate increased economic activity for local businesses. 5.4.13 The contribution that the industrial heritage can make to regeneration goes beyond historic buildings and includes parks, and other green spaces, the historic layout and streetscape, as well as other archaeological features such as waterways and canals, railways and tramways which are vital to the public realm. Indeed any heritage-led project in a deprived area, including museums or activity projects, may have the potential to contribute to regeneration through enhancing and opening-up what people most value and provide a stimulus for tourism. Since the historic built form is generally high-density it can promote pedestrian movement and other sustainable forms of transport, whilst being less attractive to the motor car. 0014021/JM/001 44
Page 1 and 2: REVIT revitalising industrial sites
Page 3 and 4: Jacobs Babtie Churchill House, Chur
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