Today Historic England announced local grants for High Streets Heritage Action Zones (HSHAZ) cultural programmes, including £90,000 for North Walsham.
North Walsham has a rich heritage and character which will inspire its cultural programme. Pivotal events in North Walsham's history such as the Peasants' Revolt and the formation of the Agricultural Workers Union demonstrate Norfolk's "do different" culture. The town has a rebellious streak running through its nature, which will be reflected in the cultural programme.
Duncan Baker, MP for North Norfolk, said:
High Streets Heritage Action Zones are yet another example of the Conservative government's commitment to supporting our High Streets and market town economies, not just in the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, but far into the future.
North Walsham has a rich past, a vibrant present, and an even better future thanks to the serious investments now being made in the town and surrounding area.
What is the High Streets Heritage Action Zone Cultural Programme?
The High Streets Cultural Programme is part of the High Streets Heritage Action Zones scheme, a nationwide initiative designed to secure lasting improvements to our historic high streets for the communities who use them.
The £7.4 million Cultural Programme is part of the £95 million High Streets Heritage Action Zones initiative, which is currently working across 67 English high streets. It is funded with £40 million from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s Heritage High Street Fund, £52 million from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Future High Streets Fund, and a further £3 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Cultural Programme will deliver four years of nationwide cultural activity helping to make high streets more attractive, engaging and vibrant places for people to live, work and spend time.
The Cultural Programme has two strands. Firstly, local grants will support the development and production of cultural programmes, and new partnerships on each of the High Street Heritage Action Zone participating in the scheme. Secondly, Historic England is curating a National Commissioning Programme that will engage with artists and creatives to help bring a very special and diverse set of places together.
