Placemaking Through Heritage: Lessons from Wales

Across Wales, towns and cities are increasingly turning to heritage as a catalyst for regeneration, identity, and community renewal. Historic buildings, industrial landscapes, marketplaces, waterfronts and civic spaces are being reimagined not simply as reminders of the past, but as foundations for vibrant and sustainable futures.

This event will explore how heritage-led regeneration can support placemaking in towns and smaller urban centres, drawing lessons from Welsh cities and communities that have used culture, architecture and local identity to reshape public life and economic development.

Through presentations, discussion and case studies, the event will examine key questions including:

• What can small towns learn from Welsh cities?
• How can heritage-led regeneration support placemaking?
• What role should heritage buildings play within the new placemaking agenda?
• What are the main challenges facing heritage-led town regeneration?

The discussion will consider the balance between conservation and change, the reuse of historic buildings, community participation, tourism, public realm improvements, and the role of heritage in creating places where people want to live, work and visit.

Bringing together practitioners, academics, local authorities, heritage organisations and community voices, the event aims to encourage new thinking around how historic environments can help shape resilient, distinctive and people-centred towns for the future.

TBC

This event is ideal for:

• Local authority officers
• Community groups and volunteers
• Heritage and professionals
• Anyone with an interest in the community heritage and the historic environment.

Funders

Thank you to our funders the Architectural Heritage Fund and Cadw.

Discounted tickets

Network, Partner and Supporter members can book for a heavily discounted fee. You should have received an email with a code to access the discounted tickets. Click the red 'Get tickets' button and enter your code in the box that says 'Promo Code'. The discounted ticket options will be revealed.

If you did not get the code please email [email protected].

If you would like to join the Heritage Network and receive discounted ticket prices alongside lots of other membership benefits please go online to find out more information. Annual membership starts from just £75 for individuals and £125 for not-for-profit organisations and businesses. Heritage Network is the UK's umbrella organisation for not-for-profit organisations that are rescuing, restoring and managing historic buildings and places. Join us today.

We aim for all of our events to be inclusive, safe spaces where everyone's views and experiences are respected. Please read our code of conduct for more information.

Extreme weather

In the event of extreme weather, the itinerary may change or the event may be postponed for safety reasons.

Unless otherwise stated, attendees must be aged 18 and over.