Growth Lancashire has the expertise required to provide a range of services to the owners and developers of historic buildings, as well as other stakeholders. Our services include development advice, Heritage Statements (historical research), Heritage Impact Assessments and the preparation of listed building applications. Here, we explore Heritage Statements, along with information from Local Planning Authorities across Lancashire.

Growth Lancashire was commissioned by a private developer to assist with proposals to develop the former grade II listed Burnley Grammar School building into co-working, office and event space for the digital community.

As an alternative to a fixed Conservation Officer post, Growth Lancashire is used by several Local Authorities to provide ongoing advice on applications for listed buildings and applications within conservation areas. We also provide advice on the maintenance of Council owned heritage assets, and advise and support on the delivery of NLHF projects and programmes as required. Here, we look at our activity with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

Situated at the very edge of Clitheroe’s retail centre, Holmes Mill had been empty since 2010. There was concern that despite its Grade II listing, it could gradually fall into disrepair and be demolished. Growth Lancashire assisted local company Emporia Leisure to bring the building back into commercial use.

Growth Lancashire worked with partners to save one of Lancashire’s rarest industrial heritage structures. Our role included negotiating initial funding from Historic England, and securing a commitment from the Local Authority to proceed with the project. Furthermore, the company successfully applied for Grant funding which allowed delivery, and oversaw all stages of the project, resulting in the removal of the site from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.

Growth Lancashire provided interim project management capacity and heritage/conservation expertise to Rossendale Borough Council on this key heritage project. Our role included overseeing the procurement of the key contractor, liaising with Councillors or key Local Authority personnel, and maintaining relationships with the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Growth Lancashire was appointed by West Lancashire Borough Council to undertake a review of the Chapel Gallery, a cultural and visitor attraction in the historic market town of Ormskirk.

Ormskirk town centre has recently been selected by Historic England as a Heritage Action Zone as part of the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.

A collaboration with the Pennine Lancashire local authorities, and Historic England, to identify the area’s key heritage challenges – the Pennine Lancashire “Priority Projects”. Cited as an example of Best Practice, the resulting strategic document defined the area’s commitment to heritage and its approach to delivery.