Historic England funding confirmed for North Walsham

Date published: 18th September 2020

Historic England have confirmed that North Walsham will receive just under £1 million funding to enhance and celebrate the historic town as part of its national High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme.

The unique historic character of the town centre will be regenerated, creating an attractive and thriving economic hub for residents, businesses and visitors.

Driven by the local community, North Norfolk District Council spearheaded successful funding applications securing a package of investment for the period to 2024. Funding was secured through the national Historic England ‘High Streets Heritage Action Zone’ programme, complemented by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) through the Government’s Getting Building Fund and supported by NNDC.

Other local partners already involved in supporting the project include: North Walsham Town Council, Regenerate North Walsham, Paston College, North Walsham Heritage Group and many other businesses and organisations in the town.

North Walsham has a rich medieval history, Georgian architecture and associations with Nelson and the Paston family. North Walsham Town Centre has some individual and well-known shops, mostly aimed at local residents. Radiating from the main street are many side streets and yards all with interesting shops, pubs and cafes on them. There are numerous period buildings, including some with Dutch gables.

The North Walsham High Street Heritage Action Zone aims to facilitate building improvement schemes, repair and restore The Cedars, a historic building within the area, to improve the Market Place and to improve navigation around the town centre.

Tony, Calladine, Regional Director at Historic England in the East of England, said: "Investing in heritage delivers good results for people – it means looking after and celebrating the places at the heart of our communities, and the buildings and public spaces which define their character. This investment for our historic High Streets Heritage Action Zone scheme will unlock the potential of these precious high streets and help them thrive again."

Cllr Richard Kershaw, NNDC’s Portfolio Holder for Economic and Career Development, added: This exciting project will celebrate and enhance the Historic nature of North Walsham. It will enable the historic character of the town centre to be regenerated. 

“This project was driven by the local community in collaboration with North Norfolk District Council to put together the successful bid. 

“The project will involve working with businesses, community and cultural groups, charities and the education sector to shape the future of North Walsham for the benefit of residents and visitors, and encourage sustainable economic growth for the Town.”

Find out further information about the North Walsham High Street Heritage Action Zone, or get more information about Historic England’s exciting High Street Heritage Action Zone programme.