29 October 2019 | Herpreet Kaur Grewal
The government must focus new heritage funding on future-proofing buildings, according to building controls manufacturer Priva UK.
The government has introduced a new heritage initiative - led by communities secretary Robert Jenrick - to challenge every single local authority across England to draw up lists of buildings of significant historical and cultural value to an area. This measure, he says, is to ensure that important local monuments are no longer left neglected and unloved.
Local people will also be empowered to nominate heritage assets that are important to them as reflecting their local area and identity. This will be supported by a team of heritage experts, funded by £700,000 to help 10 English counties to identify areas that need protection.
Priva UK welcomed the news but said it hopes that some of this investment will be spent on future-proofing heritage sites to ensure that these spaces can benefit from "optimised internal environments". The company contends that these buildings should enjoy the same levels of energy efficiency and comfort as contemporary buildings.
Gavin Holvey, UK & Ireland sales manager at Priva UK, said: "We believe that there is often misunderstanding about the way in which modern building management technologies can be used to protect older buildings for future generations. We will continue to work closely with building managers and conservationists to dispel such myths. Optimising the internal environments of special spaces, without impacting on the fabric of the building is key to heritage professionals."
Culture secretary Nicky Morgan said: "Our built heritage is one of the things that make England one of the top tourist destinations in the world. The measures announced to help protect local heritage through the planning system following the publication of the government's new design guide, which will help inspire to reflect what communities already love about their areas - such as listed buildings."