High Street Heritage Action Zone launched in Tewkesbury
Tewkesbury High Street has been officially designated as a Heritage Action Zone, following the launch of a national government scheme today.
Tewkesbury Borough Council was successful in its bid for the prestigious title and an accompanying £3m of government funding back in 2019, with a view to implementing a programme of initiatives that will regenerate the town through investment into its historic fabric. The programme was due to launch in April 2020, but delivery of the scheme has been on hold due to the pandemic.
The High Streets Heritage Action Zone initiative in England is funded with £40 million from the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport’s Heritage High Street Fund and £52 million from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Future High Street Fund. £3 million will be provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support a cultural programme. Historic England has offered £1.48m of the £3m funding allocation for Tewkesbury, which is now ready to move forward.
The council has agreed a programme of initiatives with Historic England, and with its partners through the Tewkesbury Town Regeneration Partnership, that will be rolled out over the next four years – until 31 March 2024. They include:-
• A grant programme for building owners to restore or install traditional shopfronts and repair or redecorate building facades in selected areas.
• A grant programme and promotion of vacant upper-floor units for residential use.
• A programme of assessment and evaluation of the High Street’s public realm and traffic movements, including a public consultation, followed by a schedule of improvements.
• A programme of initiatives to encourage investment in, and regeneration of, the Healings Mill site.
• A series of educational events to promote the use of ‘historic building’ craft skills and materials.
These projects will individually, and collectively, help to bring about positive improvements to the town centre and make Tewkesbury a more attractive place for business investment and tourists.
Councillor Mel Gore, Lead Member for Built Environment said: “Tewkesbury is a beautiful town with a wealth of culture and history along with many historic buildings. It has a great future with fantastic, unrivalled opportunity. We are delighted that the town is now a Heritage Action Zone and will now put the wheels in motion and work with our partners to deliver the strong and impactful programme of initiatives.”
Elaine MacTiernan, Chair of Tewkesbury Town Regeneration Partnership, said: “This title and funding will allow us to help Tewkesbury fully realise its potential. We look forward to working with the council to drive forward the exciting projects that will make such a positive difference to the town.”
Explore Gloucestershire
21 September 2020
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