£62 million fund aims to breathe new life into country's historic high streets

High streets, such as St Helens, lie at the heart of communities but are under increasing pressure as more people choose to shop online, which has led to high profile retail clsoures.

The funding will be used to regenerate places by turning disused or underused buildings into creative spaces, offices, retail outlets and housing.

The Government says it is part of "ongoing work to help high streets adapt to changing consumer habits".

St Helens, like many other towns across the country, is suffering from national retailers closing stores, which has led to empty units and a drop in footfall.

READ> St Helens bids for share of Future High Streets Fund

Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright said: "Our heritage makes communities more attractive places to live, work and visit.

"This £62 million investment will breathe new life into high streets right across the country, benefiting local people and businesses, as well as providing assistance to much-loved historic buildings.

"It is right that we do all we can to not only protect our heritage, but make it work for modern life so it can be enjoyed by as many people as possible.

St Helens' Central Library within the Gamble Building has been closed for more than two years, sparking public outcry.

"Today’s initiative is part of the government’s comprehensive plan for High Streets announced at last year’s Budget, including a £675 million Future High Streets Fund and a £1 billion business rates discount for small high street retailers."

Communities Secretary, James Brokenshire, said the government was "absolutely committed to seeing our high streets thrive now and in the future".

He added: "That’s why we put a plan to secure the future of the high street, and are taking action to ensure they can adapt to changing consumer demand and the rise of online shopping.

"This welcome announcement will help the high street to capitalise on local heritage by restoring treasured historic buildings for economic use.

"This is a proven way to drive footfall, increase further investment and generate even greater civic pride in our high streets."

READ> Labour pledges major investment in Gamble building

Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Mel Stride, said: "By reviving older, disused buildings, we’re ensuring ‎high streets can not only adapt and change to suit our modern lives - but remain at the heart of our communities for years to come.‎"

According to the Government, research has shown that for every £1 invested in heritage in England, £1.60 is brought into the wider area.

The funding will include:

• £44 million of government and Historic England funding to create dozens of High Streets Heritage Action Zones overseen by Historic England. From today, local authorities can apply to the scheme, which will give councils, businesses and community groups access to expert advice and investment to bring historic buildings back into use and support historic high streets to adapt to the challenges they face.

• £3 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support a cultural programme to engage people in the life and history of their high streets. 


£15 million for the Architectural Heritage Fund to support social enterprise organisations like Historic Coventry Trust to take ownership of and bring buildings of local importance - such as pubs, libraries or theatres, as well as shops - back into use. The Transforming Places Through Heritage Programme will open for applications in June.


Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: "We know that people value their high streets and town centres as spaces where they can meet and feel a sense of communal ownership and belonging.

"We are therefore delighted to be opening up for applications grants for High Street Heritage Action Zones.

"Through physical improvements and cultural and community activities, we will work with partners to find new ways to regenerate our historic high streets.

"We recognise the scale of the challenge with empty shops and the significant shift in retail trends and we will combine our experience with the knowledge and passion of local councils, businesses and community groups, to help revive the streets which form the hearts of our historic towns."