Sir Gavin Williamson met with the Head of Listings for the West Midlands at Historic England, Stuart Mee, to discuss possible funding for high streets in Staffordshire.
Sir Gavin is working with local authorities and Historic England to deliver greater funding to Stone High Street in Staffordshire using money from Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone fund. The programme is an initiative funded by £92 million from various Government Departments and a further £3 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The project has already delivered financial support to more than 60 high streets across the UK, working with local authorities to restore dilapidated houses and transforming them into useful public buildings whilst retaining their historic character. The formerly disused buildings are converted into new homes, shops, work places, and community spaces.
During the meeting, Sir Gavin also organised a visit to St Jervis Mausoleum, a local monument to Sir John Jervis, born in Staffordshire and known for his naval victories against the Spanish in the 18th century. Sir Gavin has previously worked with the volunteers who maintain the mausoleum and called on Historic England to consider allocating funding to the monument to pay for the restoration work.
Sir Gavin said: “It was great to meet with Historic England to discuss possibilities for upgrading Stone High Street. The High Street is already home to many re-purposed heritage buildings, such as the former Post Office, The Poste of Stone pub. I’m committed to working with Historic England and our local authorities for more of Stone’s precious heritage to be restored. By investing in the high street, we’re investing in the community.”
Stuart Mee, Historic England Listing Team Leader for the Midlands said: “It was really useful to be able to meet with Sir Gavin and discuss the regeneration of historic high streets, alongside our listing work and specific heritage at risk concerns in South Staffordshire”
