The transformations are stunning. Gone are the tacky, overblown plastic shop signs, peeling paint and boarded up windows. In their place have emerged some truly beautiful traditional buildings harking back to a more genteel era of retail. The incredible makeover of 67 high streets is the result of an Historic England-led regeneration programme that repaired 723 historic buildings, restored 462 shopfronts and brought vacant buildings back into use.
The scheme, which began during the pandemic, created more than 700 jobs worth £34million while delivering a return of £1.34 for every £1 invested – with total benefits from the programme valued at more than £245million.Many empty buildings were repurposed while a programme of events, festivals and high-street art and installations helped reverse declining footfall and renewed pride in local communities.
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “The evidence is clear: the High Streets Heritage Action Zone programmedemonstrates that heritage-led regeneration can create impactful and sustainable change in a way that improves people’s lives. The evaluation highlights a new approach to ensuring our high streets can adapt and grow to support our local communities.”
The restorations, supported by an investment of £103million from partners including Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, transformed rundown exteriors with traditional frontages incorporating Victorian awnings, handwritten signage and timber frames. Abandoned buildings were transformed into new community hubs, as in the case of an old HSBC bank in Harlesden, north-west London, built in the Victorian era.
The residents of one community in Manchester said the restoration of Tyldesley High Street had given them a place to meet, socialise and take part in cultural activities, when compared with high streets that were not part of the programme. Matthew Sofield, 53, owner of Pen to Paper card shop, said he was “very pleased” with the “traditional” restoration of his shop complete with new signage, awning and glazed brick slips.
Meanwhile, Matthew Whitehead, owner of Redemption Coffee and Kitchen, whose business was also given a makeover, said: “The sash windows that have been here since 1895 have been remodelled and reinstated, and redeveloped and the shop front is probably what it would’ve looked like in the Victorian era.” He added that he hoped his business would inspire others to revamp theirs and make “an area we can be proud to be part of”.
