Explore the many approaches to combining investment in historical buildings with community engagement and cultural events to unlock economic potential and connect communities.
These case studies were provided by Historic England's partners in the High Streets Heritage Action Zones programme.
How local authorities, community groups and private property owners have brought vacant or under-used historic buildings back into use to provide high quality housing, in some cases specifically affordable housing or housing for vulnerable people.
Creating New Homes from Empty Retail Space in Hull
A residential scheme created 3 desirable and affordable homes above shops, in space that had previously been empty or used for storage.
New Residential Use for Empty 19th Century Building in Brierley Hill
A neglected 19th century terraced building has been repaired and found a new owner and new residential use.
Derelict Iconic Building Rescued for the Community of Hastings
Hastings' iconic Observer Building has been repaired and rescued from dereliction and 4 floors brought back into use for the community
New Use for Abandoned Bank in Bacup
An abandoned Grade II-listed former bank building has been brought back into use for the community, providing housing, a co-working space and more.
Small Grants Revitalize Cross Street, Oswestry
Vacant shops on Cross Street were repurposed, bringing ground floor units back into retail use and developing their upper floors into new homes.
Projects where abandoned or unused municipal, industrial or commercial buildings have taken on new uses as community hubs, providing working space, accommodation and space for community or cultural activities.
A redevelopment project has created an award-winning and accessible cultural hub.
An abandoned Grade II-listed former bank building has been brought back into use for the community, providing housing, a co-working space and more.
Hastings' iconic Observer Building has been repaired and rescued from dereliction and 4 floors brought back into use for the community
Where community groups have been leading projects and, in some cases, taking ownership of heritage assets and their management, for the community.
Derelict Iconic Building Rescued for the Community of Hastings
Hastings' iconic Observer Building has been repaired and rescued from dereliction and 4 floors brought back into use for the community
Wednesbury Day Outdoor Festival
A 3-day festival brought residents together, attracted visitors and involved local groups and organisations in co-production and co-delivery.
Transforming an Overgrown Site into a Park in Lowestoft
An overgrown eyesore that attracted fly-tipping was transformed into a pocket park by a community group collaborating with local partners.
Celebrating heritage through cultural programmes and attractions that draw people to a place and encourage visitors to stay a while and boost the local economy.
The Barnsley High Street Heritage Action Zone took advantage of a local winter lights festival to promote the regeneration of Eldon Street.
Discover Northallerton is an innovative heritage trail that uses augmented reality to bring hidden stories to life in Northallerton.
A 3-day festival brought residents together, attracted visitors and involved local groups and organisations in co-production and co-delivery.
Projects working with businesses, building owners and tenants to restore historic character to our high streets.
Coach and Horses Pub Restored and Reopened in Hexham
A vacant pub on Priestpopple, Hexham, has been beautifully restored and brought back into use as a popular bar and restaurant.
Shopfront Improvements Reveal Local History, South Norwood
A shopfront improvement project has revealed and celebrates the past lives of the Little Mouse cheese shop in South Norwood.
Small Grants Revitalize Cross Street, Oswestry
Vacant shops on Cross Street were repurposed, bringing ground floor units back into retail use and developing their upper floors into new homes.
Reviving a Former Carriage Showroom as a Retail Space in Lancaster
A former carriage showroom has been restored to revitalise a retail space and shine light on the building’s heritage for the local community.
Creating public spaces for communities to gather and simply enjoy the environment or participate in markets and cultural or social events taking place there. Enhancing the setting of heritage assets within Conservation Areas.
Public realm improvements in Cullompton have created an attractive space for use by the community for cultural activities, events and markets.
An overgrown eyesore that attracted fly-tipping was transformed into a pocket park by a community group collaborating with local partners.
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