The Impact of Heritage Action Zones across England
Historic England’s Heritage Action Zones (HAZ) programme activates the power of the historic environment, creating conditions for economic growth and improving the quality of life in villages, towns, and cities across England.
Discover the impact of our work
Since 2016, 18 locations have benefitted from the HAZ programme and Historic England funding, with a further 2 being delivered into 2024.
These historic places have been supported through grant funding, partnership working, and by sharing our skills, making them more attractive to residents, businesses, visitors, and investors.
Across the Heritage Action Zones programme, 147 historic buildings have been saved, restored, and brought back into use, and unsung places are now being recognised and celebrated for their unique character and heritage.
Throughout this work, Historic England has championed research to support positive change, ensuring the historic environment is a vital part of our sustainable future. We have commissioned 155 heritage guidance documents and provided over 1,500 hours of heritage training sessions to local communities.
The HAZ programme has:
- Improved conservation areas
- Kick-started regeneration and renewal
- Attracted significant investment
- Contributed to meeting local housing targets
- Provided employment and volunteering opportunities
- Supported local communities
- Encouraged tourism
Spotlight on Heritage Action Zones
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Appleby: Fighting Climate Change
Restoring and protecting Appleby's heritage, benefitting the local economy and the people who live and work there.
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Bishop Auckland: Supporting Community Heritage Projects
A fascination with amateur football has led to the reuse of an empty high street shop to celebrate the heritage of Bishop Auckland Football Club.
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Coventry: Boosting Tourism
Restoring empty heritage assets, generating income for their futures, and transforming Coventry through heritage.
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Greater Grimsby: Creating New Housing Through Building Reuse
In Greater Grimsby, the Heritage Action Zone supported work to bring back into use a derelict industrial building in the town centre.
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Hull: Supporting Businesses
Reclaiming one of Hull's oldest streets as an attractive, family-friendly destination.
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King’s Lynn: Connecting Communities
Making a positive impact, discovering more about the history of the town and finding creative ways to share it.
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Nottingham: Increasing Housing in City Centres
Revealing the city's history and, in turn, securing its future conservation.
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North Lowestoft: Reviving the Streetscape
Through funding the refurbishment of historic buildings, the North Lowestoft HAZ has supported economic regeneration on the high street.
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North Lowestoft: Creative Communities
A creative poetry project by our HAZ partners Poetry People has engaged the local community in the heritage of the area.
Find a Heritage Action Zone near you
HAZ continues into 2024
The HAZ programme continues to be a powerful catalyst for regeneration in Swindon and Gosport until September 2024, working with local people and partners to deliver economic and social benefits for their communities.
The success of the HAZ initiative has led to the £95 million government-funded High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) programme. Delivered by Historic England, the HSHAZ programme is breathing new life into more than 60 historic high streets across the country.
Heritage Action Zones
Together with our partners, we're breathing new life into old places that are rich in heritage and full of promise - unlocking their potential and making them more attractive to residents, businesses, tourists and investors.
