This report is inviting the Committee to note the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) Programme aims and objectives, the plans to deliver the HSHAZ programme over the next four years and the main activities and key milestones over the next 6 months.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report updating the Committee on the High Street Heritage Action Zones (HSHAZ) scheme, a regeneration initiative led by Historic England, working with local councils and the community to create economic growth and improve the appearance and quality of life in historic high streets.  Reading had secured HSHAZ status for three conservation areas in the centre of the town and would receive up to £806,500 from Historic England, with match funding of £808,500.  The Council had entered into a contract with Historic England to run the programme from 1 April 2020.

The report added that the HSHAZ programme was focused on three Conservation Areas (Castle Hill/Russell Street/Oxford Road, St Mary’s Butts/Castle Street, Market Place/London Street) and had the following objectives:

·     To enhance the understanding of Reading’s heritage by revealing its hidden histories and to give the community a sense of pride and ownership in their town.

·     To improve the physical condition and viability of the high streets within the three conservation areas by identifying those properties most at risk and engaging with property owners to help them to restore the buildings, to show them how to maintain the buildings and to share best practice.

·     To develop a comprehensive strategy to improve the public realm across the HSHAZ to provide a better experience and sense of place for those living. working in or visiting the town centre.

·     To support local businesses, the economy and local community and cultural initiatives by creating a positive sense of place through contributing to the heritage of their high street.

The programme aimed to deliver across three strands: physical interventions, community engagement and a cultural programme.

The report also set out the next steps for the next six months which included reviewing and refining the conservation plans and to submitting them for consultation, engaging with key internal and external partners, and commenting on planning applications submitted within the HSHAZ areas.  Other important milestones included producing a community engagement plan and delivering the activities of the cultural pilot project from October 2020 to the end of February 2021, including an evaluation report.

Resolved –

That the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) Programme update, aims and objectives, the plans to deliver the HSHAZ programme over the next four years and key milestones over the next six months be noted.