C O N T E X T 1 2 8 : M A R C H 2 0 1 3 43 Conference report: Historic Towns Forum Engaging developers ‘Rebooting historic centres: public/ private commercial engagement and post-recession success’ was the challenging title of the Historic Town Forum’s (HTF) annual conference in November. Kings Cross was its more than appropriate location. Ably chaired by HTF director Noël James, the conference was divided into three sections. The first posed the question: is the planning process a block to large-scale development? This was followed by a useful update on legislation and government guidance. The second section dealt with case studies, including Kings Cross, Whitefriars in Canterbury and the highly praised Princesshay in Exeter. A successful outcome was in a large part due to an enlightened developer seeing the value of heritage assets to the attractiveness of town centres. Equally important was an appreciation of the historic development of the place, combined with the use of urban design principles. A willingness to engage with local communities was also important, but this was tempered by the inevitable frustrations of dealing with singleissue individuals and groups who were unwilling to compromise. There was a contrast in the architectural style of these two successful town centre developments. Quite a traditional approach was taken in Canterbury, compared to a more contemporary-contextual approach at Princesshay. Time will tell which is seen as more successful in the future. There followed a useful account of the funding process, something not always understood by planners and heritage professionals. It was useful to learn more about developers’ perception of risk and their difficulties in dealing with the Section 106 process. The final section of the conference looked at current issues, particularly the need to think creatively about funding regimes, and a review of the role of the design team. This was followed by a guided tour of Kings Cross, culminating in the inspiring double-act of Sir Jeremy Dixon (Dixon Jones Architects) and Peter Millican (developer). Millican recounted the story of Kings Place, in which the office development effectively subsidises concert halls and art galleries in the same building. This was a very useful conference for the heritage professional, particularly for the opportunity to engage directly with developers. David McDonald, IHBC education secretary and chair of London branch
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