Heritage Assets
A noticeable aspect of the asset transfer agenda in recent years has been the trend in the transfer of heritage assets – historic buildings, monuments, places or landscapes which have significance and are valued by the community. All of these assets have significant local, communal value, and many represent prime examples of their kind and have statutory protection. The transfer process can encourage local people to get involved in the management of historic places, as well as enjoying them. By taking prompt action to secure appropriate new ownership, local authorities can harness the enthusiasm and skills of local people as well as help to prevent heritage assets becoming vulnerable and at risk of neglect.
In response to the growing interest in this field, the Asset Transfer Unit has been working closely with a range of heritage partners. In 2011 we produced comprehensive guidance with English Heritage, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the National Trust, the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Prince’s Regeneration Trust. The full guidance, called ‘Pillars of the community’, covers a range of issues from the viewpoint of the local authority and the community respectively. It sets out the process in nine steps, aimed at resolving a series of questions. These are considered in more detail in the full guidance, but summarised as follows:
- Taking stock
- Formulating strategies for transfer
- Assessing options for use
- Developing support for the project
- Addressing the risks
- Agreeing terms
- Building an effective organisation
- Raising finance
- Maintaining long-term viability
A series of case studies have also been published and show how a range of heritage assets are flourishing under community management. These include Sanford Parks Lido in Cheltenham, Arnos Vale cemetery in Bristol and Hebden Bridge Town Hall, a transfer from Calderdale Council to the Hebden Bridge Community Association.
Pillars of the Community can be downloaded here
Helping historic parish churches at the risk of closure
The Asset Transfer Unit has worked closely with the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) to support local communities to reclaim a number of CCT churches, in both rural and urban areas, by creating new uses for some of the nation’s finest historic buildings.
The ATU is a founding member of the advisory board to CCT’s regeneration taskforce, which is England’s first specialist team to place historic churches at the heart of community led regeneration. The advisory board also includes: English Heritage, The Church Commissioners, The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Media Trust, The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, Lankelly Chase Foundation and RBS Community Banking.
For more information on the work of the taskforce, see: www.visitchurches.org.uk/regenerationtaskforce
Useful Resources
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A guide to assist community-based organisations taking on responsibility for managing assets that were formerly owned and managed by local authorities.
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Case Study: The Hornsey Town Hall Creative Trust are campaigning to raise money for the re-furbishment of Hornsey Town Hall
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Support available for the transfer of Heritage assets, including town halls