This year, more than any, I can feel a huge collective sigh of relief as we near the end of the year. I am also seeing lots of reflection on the things that have gone well for my friends and collaborators – in particular how we have faced the unique challenges that 2020 has brought.
And 2020 has certainly brought some challenges to the good ship BB Heritage, but also some great moments too which bring me lots of hope for 2021. The BB Heritage Studio Christmas Card this year features three of the wonderful projects which have been part of a busy heritage-packed year.
Hope
I have been working with Granby 4 Streets CLT and the wonderful Assemble on the next steps for this community-led organisation and their projects. Having already achieved so much including affordable housing as well as a Turner Prize for the Winter Garden, 2021 looks set to be a great year to move forward and realise the vision for the Granby area. I’m really looking forward to continuing my work with the CLT next year.
Peace
After lots of hard work in 2019 and early 2020, Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust and Engie received the wonderful news that the Peterson’s Project had been awarded funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Architectural Heritage Fund. This brings a crucial next step for the Trust who for many years has been committed to driving forward the regeneration of the Kasbah area. Read more about my work on this project here.
Joy
I am the conservation architect on the For Tyldesley HAZ office project. This is another project led by a wonderful community organisation who is passionate about making their town the best it can be and revealing its lost heritage. I am very excited to get construction works underway in 2021.
Transformation
What all these projects have in common is a demonstration of the power of conservation projects to transform places. Where those projects are community-led, that power rises exponentially.
I’m planning a restful Christmas break so that I can start 2021 with the passion and energy that these community groups bring to their historic places. Happy Christmas and see you next year!
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