- South Norwood is among 69 high streets in England will be revitalised by a £95 million cash injection
- This is the biggest ever single investment by Government in the UK’s built heritage
- Projects across the country will transform disused historic buildings into shops, houses and community centres
- Funding will help traditional businesses adapt to better compete with online outlets
Increasing competition from online outlets is putting high streets across the country under growing pressure. As part of the Conservative Government’s drive to help high streets adapt to changing consumer habits, the £95 million funding will provide a welcome boost that will breathe new life into historic buildings and areas in our towns and cities.
The investment builds on the successful Heritage Action Zones programme, run by Historic England, and will turn empty and underused buildings into creative spaces, offices, retail outlets and housing to support wider regeneration in the 69 successful areas by attracting future commercial investment.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid, said:
We are doubling funding to nearly £100 million to revitalise our heritage high streets, ensuring they remain at the heart of our communities for years to come. This will help places across the country - from South Norwood to Scarborough - protect their treasured historic buildings and support local economies to thrive.
Prospective MP for Croydon Central, Mario Creatura said:
I grew up in South Norwood. I went to school off Woodside Green, learned to swim in South Norwood Pools and spent a lot of time playing in the Country Park - so I know how important our high street is to the local community.
That's why it's been heartbreaking to see it not receive the investment it needs from our Labour-run Council. For too long South Norwood has not had the support or investment it needs to thrive, so it is right that the Conservative Government has stepped in to award £95 million to help breathe new life into high streets all over England, including South Norwood.
This cash boost will benefit businesses, support our much-loved buildings and help to make our communities more attractive places to live, work and visit - and all that can only be to the benefit of South Norwood.
The funding will be used for a variety of projects, including:
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To complete essential repair works in historic buildings and reveal hidden and forgotten features of buildings by restoring shop-fronts and facades
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Stimulate commercial investment in high streets by demonstrating how historic sites can be successfully repurposed.
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Develop education projects and bespoke events to help reposition historic buildings as community hubs at the heart of local towns and villages.
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Help address the UK wide skills shortage of heritage professionals in expert fields like stonemasonry and conservation by providing local property owners, residents and businesses with the opportunity to train in these areas.
Historic England’s Chief Executive, Duncan Wilson said:
Our high streets are the beating hearts of our communities. Many have roots that go back hundreds of years. Their historic buildings and distinctive character tell the story of how our towns and cities have changed over time. They are places where people come together to socialise, shop, run businesses and be part of their local community, but now they face an uncertain future.
Through physical improvements and cultural activities, we will work with partners to find new ways to regenerate our high streets. It is a challenge, but with our experience and track record, as well as the knowledge and passion of local councils, businesses and community groups our historic high streets can be thriving social hubs once more.
