Heritage Now

HERITAGE NOW (01/2021) AUTUMN 2021   13 FEATURE loss of business occupiers in these historic build- ings over recent years puts them at risk, under- mining the character, local identity and viability of the high street. More closures of big department stores and other major high street brands pose a significant challenge to the economic health of the high street. The deterioration of these buildings if left empty can also have an adverse effect on the look and feel of a high street, pushing customers and visitors away. It is not just the economic future and commercial confidence of the high streets that is at stake. They have a long history of being the focal point for local people to meet, work, shop and feel part of a community. THE HIGH STREET HERITAGE ACTION ZONE (HSHAZ) PROGRAMME Without intervention to adapt to these changes, high streets will continue to decline, leading to more job losses, neglected buildings and empty spaces. With the HSHAZ programme, heritage is at the core of this intervention. Often represent- ative of a common history, reinvigorated historic buildings on high streets can bring communities together and encourage residents to take an active role in their local area. Resilience to the changing economic landscape that shapes high streets can be achieved by diversifying, conserving heritage and celebrating local identity. The HSHAZ programme aims to use investment in historic high streets as a tool for improving the social, cultural, and economic outcomes of local areas. By regenerating heritage assets and the wider public realm, as well as developing commu- nity based cultural activities, high streets will be transformed into hubs for local cultural, retail and commercial engagement. The programme aims to improve perceptions of heritage and high streets, support sustainable economic growth, and restore and enhance local historic character. In the 18 months since on-site work began in April 2020, remarkable projects around the country have already begun rejuvenating historic build- ings and bringing communities together. The Prescot Picture Palace dates from 1912 and is a historic landmark in Prescot, located in Know- sley, Merseyside. Originally a cinema and most recently used as a community church, the building boasts original features such as its stately front and cinema seats. Through the HSHAZ scheme, improvements will be made to the building to re-instate its wonderful historic features, both inside and outside. The process of seeking an op- erator to run the building as an operational cine- ma is also well under way. As the very first picture house in Prescot when it opened, a return to use as a cinema will reinvigorate the leisure sector in the town, create jobs, and be a destination for locals and visitors. It also complements the Shakespeare North Playhouse development happening nearby. Newly listed at Grade II, this is yet another impor- tant building in the local landscape, with a bright future ahead. This comprehensive approach to the Prescot Picture Palace is a great example of how the HSHAZ programme is bringing capital im- provements, commerce and community together to bring a landmark building back to life. The Town Wall in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, dates from the 13th century and is a scheduled ancient monument. Considered by the community as one of the most significant historic sites in the town, the wall has long been a point of pride amongst locals. Work is already under way using HSHAZ funding to carry out a variety of different repairs to the wall structure. What sets this project apart LEFT: The Prescot Picture Palace, Knowsley, Merseyside. All images © Historic England unless otherwise stated. RIGHT: Scaffolding surrounding the Town Wall, Great Yarmouth