Insight: Regenerating cathedral cities

ECF Account Executive Charlie Back reflects on a webinar on how cathedral cities can balance modernisation with respecting heritage.

Like most towns and cities across the UK, cathedral cities such as Canterbury, Chichester, Durham, and Winchester are deliberating over how to plan for a prosperous future following the coronavirus pandemic. 

Urban regeneration projects usually involve the construction of a commercial centre, some provision of additional housing in the city centre, or a redesign of the streetscapes and public spaces. However, as cathedral cities are characteristically decorated with many listed historic buildings, these approaches to regeneration are restricted by the need to preserve local heritage.

Today, three councillors from Chichester City Council, Durham County Council, and Winchester City Council met on a webinar panel to discuss the future opportunities for regeneration in England’s cathedral cities. Toby Fox from 3FOX, a digital and event platform, hosted the webinar in partnership with Jennifer Newsham from JLL. 

During this webinar, the councillors and experts discussed their aspirations for regeneration and the factors they must consider in their decision-making. For example, Cllr Tony Dignum discussed how Chichester City Council manages the tensions that arise between the modernisation of the city whilst preserving the city’s heritage. He emphasises that new developments such as the Southern Gateway are allocated to the city’s fringes to preserve the historic centre. He remarks that the focus in the centre is to “reorientate” it rather than redevelop. Typically, this involves preserving the historic facades on retrofitted buildings to retain the areas feel. The discussion concluded that heritage is a valuable source of strength and belonging for these cities. 

The webinar also discussed the councillors’ considerations to the climate emergency, the need for mixed-use areas, and the growing appreciation for community engagement in planning urban futures. Councillors concluded that community engagement is going to be at the heart of the approaching regeneration plans, and they are eager to get all residents onboard.

If you are interested in learning more about the discussion in this webinar, visit the Voices of Authority website as the webinar will be uploaded soon.