Heritage-led regeneration can help revive struggling high streets and redefine how local authorities revitalise town centres, according to Historic England.
Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone project invested £103m in restoring 67 high streets across England from 2020 to 2024.
A new report into the project found it demonstrated a return of £1.34 for every £1 spent and generated £245m in economic benefits.
The scheme repaired over 700 historic buildings, restored 462 shopfronts, and created 700 jobs.
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, commented: ‘The evidence is clear: the High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme demonstrates that heritage-led regeneration can create impactful and sustainable change in a way that improves people's lives.’
