Demand for specialist heritage construction expertise is expected to rise following the introduction of new planning legislation and a £1.5 billion government funding package aimed at protecting cultural venues across England.
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard said planning authorities and developers will need access to specialist knowledge to ensure changes to the planning system do not weaken the consideration of heritage significance within new developments.
Planning and Infrastructure Act to reshape heritage development
The Planning and Infrastructure Act became law after receiving Royal Assent in December.
The legislation aims to accelerate construction, modernise planning procedures and simplify land acquisition for development, with the intention of supporting economic growth through faster project delivery.
While the industry has broadly welcomed measures designed to improve planning performance, concerns have been raised that safeguards intended to protect the historic environment could be affected where strategic development priorities take precedence.
Matthew Appleton, strategic account director for culture and heritage at Pick Everard, said the development of heritage assets can support growth in line with the objectives of the Act, but highlighted the importance of specialist input in heritage-led schemes.
“With the Act there will be both intended and unintended impact on heritage developments, the majority of which I believe will be positive,” he said.
“There will be a fine balance to delivering heritage-led developments that provide a return on investment while ensuring their significance is protected and enhanced.
“Partnering with an experienced team is essential for opening up access to innovative, sustainable and value-added approaches to preserving heritage assets.”
£1.5bn government funding for cultural venues and heritage buildings
Alongside planning reform, the government has announced £1.5 billion of investment through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to support more than 1,000 arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings across England.
The funding is intended to address capital funding gaps and prevent closures, while improving access to cultural facilities within communities.
Appleton said the funding presents opportunities for heritage construction and conservation projects, but stressed the need for long-term planning.
“Engaging the right multi-disciplinary professional team at the earliest opportunity will ensure that projects can maximise funding, ensuring repair and development works can be strategically planned to provide long-term viability of nationally important sites over short-term gains or suboptimal solutions.”
Major restoration projects highlight construction opportunities
The built environment sector continues to face a shortage of specialist heritage construction skills. However, a number of large restoration and refurbishment projects are expected to provide opportunities for training and apprenticeships.
Projects cited include repair works to Victoria Tower, refurbishment of the Bank of England and restoration work at Blenheim Palace.
Technology and AI set to support asset management
Appleton said technological developments could also support the management and conservation of historic buildings.
“Several major flagship projects across the museum and heritage sector are progressing this year, and these will provide training and apprenticeship placements as well as the opportunity to develop new and emerging technologies,” he said.
“We anticipate a significant growth in the use of AI to support the management of heritage estates, and these new ways of interacting with historic buildings will hopefully also encourage investment in skills development and interest in the next generation of heritage professionals.
“Over the next year the sector needs to focus on demonstrating what the tangible benefits a considered heritage-led development scheme can offer. This will help secure the long-term, sustainable viability of heritage sites.”
