Growing Historic Cities September 2016July 2025 A symposium in Oxford’s Kellogg College drew members of the Historic Towns Forum ranging from St Albans to Wells and York, together with a large contingent from Oxford.The aim was to learn from success, and to debate the principles that would lead to sustainable or ‘smarter growth’ that does not outstrip infrastructure capacity. Presentations on Grenoble and Freiburg provided an international dimension, and Dr. Nicholas Falk, one of the co-organisers drew out lessons from four other European cities acclaimed by the Academy of Urbanism, including Montpellier and some Dutch examples.
Pillars of the community: the transfer of local authority heritage assets January 2011June 2025 “Pillars of the Community”, drafted by URBED for government, serves as a comprehensive guide for the transfer of local authority heritage assets to community groups. It emphasises the importance of understanding the significance of these assets and the need for robust planning and management strategies. The publication outlines best practices for assessing heritage value, developing business plans, and ensuring long-term sustainability. It highlights the necessity of community engagement and the careful balancing of financial viability with cultural preservation. By fostering collaboration between local authorities and communities, the guide aims to enhance the stewardship of historic assets, ensuring they remain vital parts of local identity.
