Sources of inspiration
Reinvigorating tired and neglected historic buildings can be an exciting and worthwhile challenge. Historic England is committed to supporting imaginative uses for neglected historic buildings.
Historic England has developed the concept of Constructive Conservation - a collaborative approach that allows developers to work hand-in-hand with heritage professionals to manage change by exploiting the commercial potential of historic places in innovative and creative ways.
To help people to understand what constructive conservation means in practice we have developed a series of publications and web-based resources that show the kinds of results that can be achieved with the right combination of vision, understanding and collaboration.
Heritage Works: The use of historic buildings in regeneration
Published jointly by Historic England, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the British Property Federation, 'Heritage Works' is a practical toolkit for integrating heritage buildings into urban regeneration schemes. As well as explaining the economic benefits of conservation-led regeneration it is a step-by-step guide to the creation of popular, successful urban quarters with character, where people enjoy living.
Shared interest
The case studies in 'Shared Interest' are a celebration of England's best heritage-led development schemes. Each shows that with imagination and skill, old buildings can be given a new and positive future. It shows how better use of pre-application consultation is allowing investors to see heritage as an asset - by uniting the finest old and new architecture they are creating a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Constructive Conservation in practice
In 'Constructive Conservation' we feature a portfolio of 20 developments of historic buildings that exemplify what constructive conservation is all about. From the masterplanning of King's Cross Central to the restoration of Morecambe's spectacular modernist Midland hotel, each of these case studies show the results that can be achieved from close collaboration between developers, architects and heritage professionals.
Valuing Places: Good practice in conservation areas
Conservation areas are in the vanguard of heritage protection. Designated by local authorities, they reflect the value placed by communities on cherished neighbourhoods, villages and town centres, giving them a key role in the regeneration of local areas.
'Valuing Places' contains 18 practical case studies as well as showing how the approaches and techniques of constructive conservation can help with the active management and regeneration of neglected conservation areas.
