Denbigh Townscape Heritage Initiative – Denbighshire

Planning and Design Process

Management

The initiative was managed through three teams:

• The Denbigh Partnership, which comprised the Denbigh Civic Society, Denbigh Town Business Group, Popeth Cymraeg and the Denbighshire Enterprise Agency;
• The Project Board, which consisted of the funding bodies, including representatives from the Welsh Assembly Government, Cadw, Wales Tourist Board (Visit Wales as of 2006), Denbigh Town Council and Denbighshire County Council; and
• The Project Team, which was the internal support group of Denbighshire County Council.

Objectives

The project ran from December 2000 through until December 2006. Its objectives were:

• To increase awareness among local property owners and residents of the qualities of the heritage in the town centre and the opportunities presented by the initiative.
• To encourage the take up of grants.
• To involve the local community in the initiative decision making process – through participation procedures and representation on the Partnership.
• Ensure high quality repair, reinstatement and new work in order to improve the image and character of the area and to reinforce local distinctiveness.
• Adopt policies and procedures that facilitate the process of economic regeneration and heritage enhancement.
• Ensure that all partners in the Initiative and County Council services are working together to benefit the area – encouraging other regeneration and enhancement schemes complementary to the aims of the Townscape Heritage Initiative.

Renovation 

Work was carried out on some 20 properties and a public space, improving the fabric of the town centre. These renovations sought to return neglected buildings in the conservation area to their former glory, both in terms of façade conservation, and in re-establishing many of the current building uses. In particular, new and employment uses were encouraged, as well as upgraded housing and educational and community facilities.

Sustainability Outcomes

Reuse

Re-use of historic buildings is compatible with the principles of sustainability. Such buildings are often suitable for a number of uses due to their structure, space and location. By repairing rather than replacing them, the consumption of additional precious resources is kept to a minimum.

Construction

Repairs were carried out using traditional building methods and materials, which are generally less wasteful in term of natural resources, consume less energy in their production, and because they involve craftsmanship and traditional skills, are often carried out with minimal use of power tools.

Materials

The use of traditional materials and processes, such as lime pointing and rendering, makes for ‘breathability’, and assists in preventing problems associated with modern living, such as condensation, thus limiting the development of mould growths that can lead to respiratory disease, and ensuring longevity of the building. Traditional materials are also more environmentally sound, being sourced from natural and sustainable products, and having low or zero emissivity are often safer for allergy sufferers. They are also more easily and safely removed and disposed of or re-used.

Economic

Re-use of vacant space, especially in the town centre, provides accommodation suitable for commercial enterprise, or residential units, sustaining both the local economy and also the heart of towns such as Denbigh. This maintains the low levels of outward migration that have, historically, helped to keep families together through the generations and preserved the language and culture of the area. Homes can be provided close to facilities, thus saving on travel to work, and encouraging walking, cycling and public transport which provide easily accessible alternatives to the car.

Historic buildings

Whilst many historic buildings do not meet current thermal and acoustic standards, in many cases it is possible to upgrade them without damaging the character, and such work can often be undertaken during the regular course of repair and maintenance programmes. The close-knit fabric of a historic town such as Denbigh has an advantage in that most buildings are attached to their neighbours, with a consequent reduction in energy loss through external walls. Where appropriate, measures such as double glazing and thermal insulation, particularly of roofs, has been carried out.

Quotes

In 2004, the Royal Town Planning Institute awarded it the Wales Award for Planning Achievement saying that it was ‘..a good demonstration of how sensitive regeneration of the historic environment can contribute to community and business confidence’. Furthermore, the RTPI was impressed with the important role planners played in this ‘well-coordinated, multi-functional approach to regeneration’.