C O N T E X T 1 0 8 : M A R C H 2 0 0 9 13 The Penryn Townscape Heritage Initiative, described by Alyson Cooper, has clearly ‘Put back the heart and soul’ into one Cornish town. Cooper was not simply concentrating on her own achievements in Carrick, as she was able to illustrate the benefits of such schemes to other parts of Cornwall. Jamie Coath of Purcell Miller Tritton illustrated his company’s restoration work at a number of sites, most notably that at Kirkstall Abbey inYorkshire. Peter Wakelin, secretary of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, and John Rodger, world heritage site coordinator, explained passionately the history of the world heritage site at Blaenavon and how lessons could be learnt on world heritage and regeneration. Paul Squires of the Civic Trust and David Habershon of High Street Great Malvern described the Civic Trust’s High Street UK programme of resident-led high street regeneration, and its incarnation in Malvern. Later that evening delegates enjoyed a reception sponsored by the city council and dinner in Gorton Monastery, then transformed by candlelight. Kevin McCloud of Grand Designs was both entertaining and relevant to the conference subject as after-dinner speaker. Seeking a wider recognition of the quality and importance of historic places in community life (and a collective noun for conservation officers on which, sadly, no suggestions were forthcoming), his talk had something for every one of the wide range of delegates. The second day focused on the practical outputs and impacts of mainstream conservation-led regeneration. Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, opened the day expressing his sensitivity to historic environment priorities for local communities. This led to the story of the conference venue, Gorton Monastery, which was told by Paul Refford, vice chair of the Monastery of St Francis and Gorton Trust. This hard-working initiative has given new life and purpose to Pugin’s Franciscan Monastery and continues its remarkable work to restore the building and develop its role in the local community. Ulster Says Yes! was Dawson Stelfox’s rallying call, while describing regeneration projects in Northern Ireland. Paul Hartley of Stockport demonstrated the long-term gains from a strategic approach to regeneration through the restoration of Stockport’s medieval market area. The hilltop area was in serious decline, and buildings were unused and derelict. The project included compulsorily purchase to tackle blocks of buildings, with complex ownership issues, and award-winning new buildings. Anne McChlery of Glasgow Building Preservation Trust used the Castlemilk Stables Project as an example of the strong work of local BPTs with the surrounding community. The project restored the external elevations of the 1,790 stables, adding a simple glass and steel cloister and inner foyer, which give a view of the original fabric. This creates a modern, multi-use space for offices of the local housing associations, a children’s nursery, a base for community and environmental organisations, community training facilities and leisure space. Barry Quirk, chief executive of Lewisham and author of the Quirk Report on Asset Management and Asset Transfer covered the background to his recommendations on asset transfer (www.communities.gov.uk/publications/ communities/makingassetswork). Looking first at local authorities’ corporate relationship with community, he summarised how, with proper risk management, property transfer from council to community could benefit the built environment. Anne Marie Naylor spoke of the Development Trust Association’s role in the process. The opportunity the initiative represents for building preservation trusts was also explored. The recent appointment of the IHBC’s chair, Dave Chetwyn, to the stakeholder group for the Asset Transfer Unit of the CLG confirms the success the institute, with other conference partners, has had in emphasising the close connection between asset transfer and community-generated, conservation-led regeneration. The IHBC has been building capacity in the sector by supporting the event and its associated research by IHBC member Ela Palmer.We also wanted to emphasise our special professional relevance to BPTs through our stand at the event. This was well visited, enabling us to raise awareness of our work with those involved in local civic societies and building preservation trusts. Fiona Newton, IHBC projects officer, projects@ihbc.org.uk Alyson Cooper Anne McChlery
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgyMjA=