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Norwich is to play host to a major national conference on how new homes can be built without damaging the heritage of historic towns and cities. The day-long event has been organised by charity SAVE Britain's Heritage as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. And Norwich was picked because it has managed to avoid major developments threatening the city's character.
Henrietta Billings (Image: SAVE Britain's Heritage) Henrietta Billings, director of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, said: "Norwich is one of Britain's great medieval cities which has largely managed to fend off the kind of large-scale inappropriate development that has damaged other historic towns. "It’s the perfect place to be discussing these urgent issues that so many towns are facing: how new development can enhance the character and value of our historic towns and cities. "We’re looking forward to a fascinating day of debate and learning from each other.
" Quayside in Norwich is seen as an example of how new homes can be built in an historic city without damaging its character (Image: Antony Kelly) The conference, organised in association with civic watchdog the Norwich Society, is called Building in Context: Delivering Good Growth in Heritage Locations. It will focus on how new homes can be built in historic places in ways which respect their heritage, support communities and drive economic growth. Anglia Square in Norwich (Image: Denise Bradley) The conference comes at a time when Norwich City Council is looking to build 1,100 new homes at the Anglia Square shopping complex .
Previous plans, scrapped in the face of opposition, including from SAVE Britain's Heritage , had included a 20-storey high tower. Norwich City Council leader Mike Stonard (Image: Norwich City Council) Mike Stonard, leader of the Labour-led city council, will open the conference, which will be held at the King's Centre in King Street on Thursday, May 15. The conference will feature expert speakers and panellists, including architects, developers, planners and heritage professionals – as well as people who live in Norwich.
Tickets for the event, which cost £45 for the general public and £35 for supporters of SAVE Britain's Heritage, Norwich Society members and students, are available via the SAVE Britain's Heritage website ..
