Preserving the Past, Adapting for the Present: The Usability Challenge in Heritage Conservation

03 Sep 24

The NPPF recognises that heritage assets must be used in order to be actively conserved. In turn, the conservation of assets is required, ‘so that they can be enjoyed for their contribution to the quality of life’.

The first sentence in Historic England’s recently published Advice Note 18 stipulates that historic buildings must change and evolve to, ‘be fit for the purpose for people who live in, experience and care for them’. This message was delivered in the important context of Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency (the Note’s title), yet it got me thinking: how should we consider usability when adapting assets for a sustainable future?

The NPPF recognises that heritage assets must be used in order to be actively conserved. In turn, the conservation of assets is required, ‘so that they can be enjoyed for their contribution to the quality of life’. To be conserved is to be used and to be used is to, ideally, be conserved. But what about when assets aren’t usable for all?

Conversation regarding the adaptability of heritage assets has never been more active. The historic built environment is commonly viewed as a challenge to development – I recently heard the gut punching phrase, ‘historic hindrance’ – however, in our view it presents an opportunity to explore creative conservation and should not be a barrier to the enjoyment of places.

The St Paul’s Cathedral Equal Access Project won the Heritage Award for the London region at the 2022 RICS Awards. It demonstrates the successful physical adaption of a Grade I listed site to enhance user accessibility. By contrast, permission to redevelop the Grade I listed National Gallery’s Sainsburys Wing as part of its NG200 capital project has been met with outcry from patrons, professionals and even its original architect. A priority of the scheme is its promotion of improved internal and external access of the building, yet in common rapport, these benefits are overshadowed by criticisms of the proposed design.

Design quality and responsiveness is certainly an important consideration when determining proposals for adapting heritage assets. There is a balance to be struck by design when fulfilling the duties of developments as set out in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and The Equality Act 2010. These are both pieces of legislation that must be adhered to, yet there is inconsistency in this interpretation across local planning authorities.

For example, in February and April 2024, two proposals to create Changing Places Toilets were scrapped by Bradford Council due to concerns regarding impacts upon the settings of Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Bradford and Cliffe Castle, Keighley. Simultaneously, Brighton and Hove City Council approved the construction of a CPT within the Grade II listed Preston Park, Brighton. All three schemes were subject to design criticisms.

Our Built Heritage & Townscape Consultants regularly advise on how enhancements to an asset’s sustainable performance can include improvements to their usability. We support the design development process and advise on how to make the most out of Design and Access Statements to promote accessibility and the continued use of our heritage.