Old buildings win their places in the future

Buildings of the past are helping to shape the way for economic growth of the future, according to a new report.

The English Heritage publication, Constructive Conservation – Sustainable Growth for Historic Places, has revealed how repaired historic buildings in the South West are contributing to economic growth across the region.

Success stories in the Westcountry include the Marine Parade Shelters in Lyme Regis and Clinton Devon Estates in East Devon where business is flourishing since the buildings were adapted to give them a more successful financial future.

Veryan Heal, acting planning and conservation director in the South West for English Heritage, said: "Buildings of the past can serve the future well, as demonstrated by the job creation and business growth at the businesses throughout the region. Repair and adaptation of our existing building stock is inherently sustainable and these historic buildings demonstrate heritage is clearly not a barrier to growth."

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All 36 featured buildings and structures in the country were intended to show how historic buildings can contribute to job creation, business growth and economic prosperity.

They were all conservation-led projects where a constructive approach to managing change has helped historic buildings be kept in use.

The conservation strategy involved working with owners and developers to enhance the site, whilst maintaining its historical importance.

In East Devon, a new Rolle Estate Office at the Clinton Devon Estates helped revitalise a degraded part of the Grade I park and restore lost landscape elements, including historic tree clumps and estate railings.

The design of the new building was intended to respond to the historic setting, incorporate local materials and achieve high levels of sustainability.

Lord Clinton, of Clinton Devon Estates, said: "By locating the Rolle Estate Office here at Bicton, we have re-established the strong historic link between the Estate and its original centre of operations. Not only has it provided us with a geographically central and environmentally friendly base from which to run all the Estate's activities, it has also enabled the restoration of the beautiful parkland in which it is located."

In West Dorset, improvements to the historic Lyme Regis Marine Parade Shelters helped renew the waterfront area, together with the building of new shelters and two new community rooms.

The project has also improved the physical and visual links between the town, harbour and surrounding areas.

English Heritage offered each project technical and practical advice to ensure the historic significance was understood and brought out while economic viability was ensured.