New guidance from English Heritage: Pillars of the Community
- Pillars of the Community: The transfer of local authority heritage assets
The Government is encouraging community-based organisations and volunteers to play an increasing role in improving local areas. one aspect is the transfer of property assets from local authorities to community-based organisations. Many of these are heritage assets – historic buildings, monuments, places or landscapes which have significance and are valued by the community and by transferring these assets it is hoped the energy of communities will prevent these assets from falling into decay or inappropriate use.
Birmingham’s Grade II-listed Newman Brothers Coffin Works has been hailed as an example of how community ownership can work when trying to protect a building from falling into disrepair. Birmingham Conservation Trust purchased this building from Birmingham City Council last summer.
Download a copy of the guidance here.