Transforming Places: revitalising historic high streets

Event details

SPAB Spring Lecture Series 2021: Transformations Part II
Join us this spring for a further series of talks continuing our theme of transformation. Through a mixture of recent projects and current thinking about heritage, sustainability and conservation, we consider physical change and new uses for old buildings on the one hand and, on the other, the power of conservation projects to transform places and communities. We will also look at how new ways of thinking about heritage can transform the way people engage with old buildings and historic places.  

Transforming Places: revitalising historic high streets 
Presented by Matthew Mckeague, Architectural Heritage Fund  
11 March 2021, 12:00 - 13:00 (GMT)
Live Online Lecture
£5 pp - SPAB members
£6 pp - Non-members

“Ordinary” town centre heritage – those familiar high street buildings that house shops, local services, small businesses and projects – often goes unremarked and underappreciated, and can fall into serious decline. Yet these places are a vital part of our built environment and, if well cared for and used, can be assets that contribute to a community’s quality of life and create a strong sense of place in an increasingly homogenised world. The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF), a body bringing together local heritage bodies and other community led organisations, launched its Transforming Places initiative in 2019. Alongside other strategic programmes to encourage high street regeneration - Historic England’s Heritage Action Zones and the government’s Future High Street Fund – the AHF’s scheme is providing grants and targeted support to improve town centre buildings and bring them back into use. AHF’s Chief Executive, Matthew Mckeague, will describe the aims of Transforming Places and progress so far. 

You may also be interested in our other online lectures in the Spring Lecture Series 2021:
From Granby Four Streets to Spitalfields: community led regeneration, 4 March 2021;
Brixton Windmill: from building at risk to revival, 18 March 2021;
Saving St Denis: a transformation at East Hatley, 1 April 2021.

IT requirements: Please note that this is an online lecture and will be held via a webinar platform. You will be sent instructions on how to join the session the day before the lecture. To participate, all you need is an internet connection, and a laptop, computer or phone with the ability to play video and audio.   

Accessibility: please contact the SPAB before booking to discuss any special access requirements.

Booking Terms & Conditions
 

Image credit: Shaun Armstrong