Government Invests £15m in Heritage Site Revivals Across UK

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More than a dozen historic sites across the UK are set to benefit from a £15 million government investment aimed at preserving local heritage while boosting economic regeneration in communities.

Announced this week, the funding will support 13 projects through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ regeneration programme. The initiative is designed to restore heritage assets such as mills, libraries and historic town centres, transforming them into usable spaces for residents and businesses.

Among the beneficiaries are sites in Middlesbrough, Huddersfield, Keighley, and Barrow-in-Furness. In Huddersfield, for example, the George Hotel and former Co-operative building on New Street will be refurbished to support local enterprises and events. The funding also supports projects in South Shields, Boston in Lincolnshire, and Great Yarmouth.

Levelling Up Minister Jacob Young said the initiative would “restore pride in places and build stronger communities.” He added that by breathing new life into these historic spaces, the government hopes to stimulate local economies, attract visitors, and support job creation.

The funding comes from the latest round of the Heritage Development Trusts programme, with delivery supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Architectural Heritage Fund. Each project will focus on converting disused or at-risk buildings into productive community assets.

The announcement follows recent criticism of the government’s levelling-up strategy, with some opposition MPs arguing that investments have been unevenly distributed. However, ministers insist the approach targets areas most in need of renewal.

In Keighley, West Yorkshire, the restoration of civic buildings is expected to enhance the town’s cultural offer and encourage footfall. In Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, the cash will help repurpose an iconic building within the town’s Kasbah conservation area.

According to government figures, the heritage sector contributes over £36 billion annually to the UK economy, with tourism, education and small business development cited as key benefits.

This latest round of funding underscores the government’s commitment to heritage-led regeneration, which ministers say remains vital in reviving high streets and preserving the UK’s architectural legacy.