The government funded-scheme will help breathe new life into the high streets who’ve been hard hit by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The scheme which is a part of the high streets heritage action zone (HSHAZ) programme delivered by Historic England will see disused buildings restored into new homes, shops, workplaces and community spaces in as many as 68 high streets across the country. The move comes as the government tries to help high streets adapt to ever-changing consumer habits with a particular focus on the increasing competition from online outlets.
Oliver Dowden, the Culture Secretary has commented: “High streets sit at the heart of our communities and every part of the country deserves to have one they can be proud of. This fund will help breathe new life into high streets in towns and cities across the country – restoring them to their full glory so that they are beautiful places for people to shop, work and enjoy.”
The fund is made up of £40M from the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport and £52M from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government with the National Lottery Heritage Fund contributing a further £3M.
