An introductory training session on researching and understanding heritage significance, and the impact that offers for heritage projects

London Historic Buildings Trust welcomes you to a special training opportunity as part of our popular 'Building Futures' community training programme.

Led by London Historic Buildings Trust this training session explores the specific topic of heritage significance within the context of developing a built heritage project. It focuses on how to go about researching and understanding heritage significance, and what its implications are for repairing and adapating buildings. It also highlights the additional benefits that come from understanding heritage significance, including how the information can be shared to help a range of new audiences learn, engage and enjoy what makes your building special.

The workshop is aimed at those new to heritage projects, whether that be community or volunteer groups, charities, local authority staff, or anyone else interested in bringing a historic building back to life for the benefit of local people in London.

We will be covering:

Part 1 - 70mins

What is Heritage and our Historic Environment - current statutory context

What do we mean by Heritage Significance and how to determine it?

Heritage Statements - purposes and process

Researching - key sources, techniques and best practice

The Technical Details: Planning Policy and Consents

Refreshment Break - 20mins

Part 2 - 30mins

Heritage Project vs Repair Project - what's the difference? Examples.

Heritage Engagement and Interpretation - what is it, what might it involve, and what opportunities can it bring?

Making heritage accessible

The Heritage Funding Landscape - current priorities, processes and best practice (including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Historic England)

Heritage Engagement Case Studies

London Historic Buildings Trust

LHBT is the only London-wide building preservation trust. For 30 years’ the Trust has been rescuing and utilising heritage, whether that be bricks and mortar, or intangible heritage. Specifically, we facilitate communities to re-use the historic buildings that they value, and showcase their special heritage, finding viable and enterprising ways to support local need and aspiration with such projects.

About 'Building Futures'

Building Futures is LHBT’s in-person training programme, aimed at those who are new to developing heritage projects, including individuals, community or Friends groups, local authorities or anyone else who is interested in undertaking a project to save or promote a part of London’s heritage.

Delivered by LHBT, with specialist guest speakers, the training is focused on helping attendees understand what makes for a strong, sustainable project with outcomes for people, place and heritage. There is a focus on built heritage projects, but much of the principles of the training can be applied to heritage projects of any type, scale and scope.

LHBT takes Building Futures on the road, moving around London to bring our experience, advice, and support directly to local communities. Since 2023, we’ve delivered workshops for those in the boroughs of Enfield, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Haringey, Westminster, Brent, Islington and Camden, as well as numerous online sessions.

Description supplied by the event organiser.