Protecting Built Heritage 

The latest DCMS report on protecting built heritage explores how historic buildings, structures and sites can be better protected, maintained and brought back into use. 

From listed buildings and places of worship to industrial heritage, monuments and conservation areas, our built heritage plays an important role in shaping the UK’s identity, communities and local economies. But the report highlights a number of challenges that are putting this heritage at risk. 

Here are some of the key findings we’ve picked out: 

Heritage at risk is a missed opportunity 

The deterioration of heritage assets is not only a threat to our history, but also a missed opportunity for economic growth, tourism and community development. Financial pressures, skills shortages and policy barriers are contributing to increasing numbers of historic buildings falling into disuse or managed decline. 

Could heritage help address the housing shortage? 

One of the report’s recommendations is a ‘heritage-to-housing’ scheme to bring vacant and at-risk historic buildings back into residential use. Historic England estimates that up to 670,000 homes could potentially be delivered through the reuse of vacant or under-used heritage buildings, highlighting the huge potential of heritage-led regeneration. 

Our definition of heritage needs to evolve 

The report also highlights that current protections do not always recognise contemporary cultural heritage. This can leave culturally significant spaces vulnerable, despite their importance to local communities. A broader definition of heritage could help ensure these places are recognised and protected. 

Place matters 

Place-based approaches can help align investment with local needs, strengthen partnerships and involve communities in protecting their heritage. However, the report recognises that their success can vary, particularly in rural and deprived areas where funding, skills and institutional support can be limited. 

Overall, the report highlights both the challenges facing built heritage and the significant opportunities available if we take a more proactive approach to its protection and reuse. 

Read the full report https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5902/cmselect/cmcumeds/144/report.html  

If your organisation is looking at how to protect, develop or generate income from its heritage, get in touch with Good Fundraising. We’d be happy to discuss how we could help.