Guidance published on transfer of heritage assets
New guidance for local authorities and public sector bodies on transferring the ownership and management of historic buildings, monuments or landscapes to community-based organisations has been published this week.
The guidance – put together by English Heritage, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the National Trust, the Architectural Heritage Fund, the Prince's Regeneration Trust and the Development Trust Association's Asset Transfer Unit – covers a range of issues from the viewpoint of the local authority and the community respectively.
These include:
- taking stock of heritage assets
- formulating transfer strategies
- developing support for the project
- assessing options for new uses
- managing the risks
- agreeing terms for transfer
- raising finance, and
- maintaining long-term viability.
Publication of the guidance – which includes case studies and is designed to demonstrate how a range of assets can flourish under community management – follows the Localism Bill, which includes a right for local people to have first refusal on buying assets of community value.
Baroness Andrews, chairwoman of English Heritage, said: "Local authorities are responsible for a huge range of heritage assets, from town halls and libraries to sports centres and parks. Transfer of a heritage asset from a local authority to a community-based organisation can give neighbourhoods a greater say in how these historic buildings, monuments, parks and gardens are used and protected. This new guidance explains how transfers can be undertaken in a way which is sustainable in terms of ownership, management, use and conservation of the asset."
Steve Wyler, Director of the Development Trusts Association, added: "By transferring heritage assets to community-based organisations, public bodies can harness the enthusiasm and skills of local people. Heritage assets are often hugely important locally, and with the right knowledge and support, community groups can prevent these valuable community resources from entering a spiral of underinvestment and neglect."
A copy of the guidance – called Pillars of the community: the transfer of local authority heritage assets – can be downloaded here.
See also: Assets and the Community
