Building Foundations: Starting a Heritage Project

An introductory training session to explore what is a built heritage project, and how to give it the strongest start.
About this Event

London Historic Buildings Trust welcomes you to a special training opportunity as part of our popular 'Building Futures' community training programme.

Led by London Historic Buildings Trust this training session introduces the topic of built heritage projects, and how to lay the strongest foundations when starting out.

The workshop is aimed at those new to these projects, whether that be community or volunteer groups, charities, local authority staff, or anyone else interested in bringing a historic building back to life for the benefit of local people in London.

We will be covering:

Part 1 - 50mins

What is heritage and our historic environment

Heritage Project vs Repair Project - what's the difference? Examples.

The Heritage Funding Landscape - current priorities, processes and best practice (including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Historic England)

Refreshment Break - 20mins

Part 2 - 50mins

What will determine a successful heritage project?

Step by Step: Viability and resilience first, repairs and construction last

The Technical Side - RIBA stages, phasing, consultant roles and responsibilities

First Steps and Top Tips

Case Studies

London Historic Buildings Trust

LHBT is the only London-wide building preservation trust. For 30 years’ the Trust has been rescuing and utilising heritage, whether that be bricks and mortar, or intangible heritage. Specifically, we facilitate communities to re-use the historic buildings that they value, and showcase their special heritage, finding viable and enterprising ways to support local need and aspiration with such projects.

About 'Building Futures'

Building Futures is LHBT’s in-person training programme, aimed at those who are new to developing heritage projects, including individuals, community or Friends groups, local authorities or anyone else who is interested in undertaking a project to save or promote a part of London’s heritage.

Delivered by LHBT, with specialist guest speakers, the training is focused on helping attendees understand what makes for a strong, sustainable project with outcomes for people, place and heritage. There is a focus on built heritage projects, but much of the principles of the training can be applied to heritage projects of any type, scale and scope.

LHBT takes Building Futures on the road, moving around London to bring our experience, advice, and support directly to local communities. Since 2023, we’ve delivered workshops for those in the boroughs of Enfield, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Haringey, Westminster, Brent, Islington and Camden, as well as numerous online sessions.