- The local MP joined Burnley Council Historic England to check in on the improvements underway in the town’s historic high street
- Local people and business owners talked about their involvement in the programme of improvements and hopes for the future
Burnley MP Antony Higginbotham met local people involved with the town’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) scheme as he checked in to see the ongoing transformation of the area centred on Lower St James’ Street.
Set up in 2020 by Burnley Council, Historic England and other local partners, the HSHAZ is delivering £1.3 million of government funding to revitalise the town's core which is being enhanced by a programme of repairs to landmark Victorian buildings. The town’s growing local arts scene is being strengthened through the work of Burnley’s Cultural Consortium to create opportunities for artists and the local community to celebrate Burnley's identity.
So far, the High Street Heritage Action Zone has funded essential roof repairs to the Burnley Empire Theatre, an important step in the building’s preservation as well as a move towards enabling greater public access to the theatre. The streetscape along Lower St James’s Street has been improved, with the introduction of better seating and planters, which has led to an increase in footfall.
Antony Higginbotham MP said: “Lower St James Street has needed regenerating for years. It needed a lot of work but co-operation and investment by many, including the Government, Council, Historic England and others has meant that real progress is being made. And it was brilliant to visit to see that for myself.
I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet local people who’re involved in finding exciting new uses for Burnley’s historic buildings. The project is creating a really positive buzz about the place. People in Burnley take pride in their town’s past and it’s fantastic to see this being harnessed to shape a brighter future.”
Kate Ingram, Strategic Head of Economy and Growth at Burnley Council said: “Over the years some of Burnley’s most important historic buildings on the high street have fallen into disrepair and this project is all about working with local building owners to rejuvanate the area, find new uses for our local heritage and draw people and businesses back in to make this sustainable for the long term.”
Trevor Mitchell, Historic England’s Director for the North and Levelling Up, said: “It was great to spend some time with Antony, the Council and local people to take stock of the changes we’re making together. We’re seeing Burnley’s rich heritage take centre stage in levelling up the town and enhancing local people’s experience of their high street.”
Nick Hunt, Creative Director at Mid Pennine Arts said and Chair of the Burnley Cultural Consortium: “The project is a brilliant opportunity to work with the local community to tell the story of the Burnley in exciting ways. It was lovely to show off our exhibition space at 117 St James’s Street which a perfect location for pop-up art installations, such as the Saturday Girl portrait studio and interpretation boards.”
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Further Info:
High Streets Heritage Action Zones
The £95 million government-funded High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme, which is being delivered by Historic England, will unlock the potential of high streets across England, fuelling economic, social and cultural recovery, encouraging people to say Hi! to the high street, and breathe new life into it for future generations.
Burnley High Street Heritage Action Zone
For further information on Burnley High Street Heritage Action Zone see http://www.burnleyhaz.org.uk/ and https://historicengland.org.uk/services-skills/heritage-action-zones/burnley/
