'Heritage Recycled' - Project launched in Belgium

The project responds to the pressing need to look at new ways of securing Europe’s rich tradition of cultural heritage buildings.

The Churches Conservation Trust  (CCT), in partnership with Suffolk Mind and the Belgian
organization Kempens Landschap are committed to developing sustainable new uses for heritage buildings as the best means of securing their future.

The projects will look at reuse of the buildings for new activities and purposes, whilst ensuring their significance is protected. The aim is to reach reach new audiences vital to supporting our heritage in the future.

The project partners will come together to share their experience and knowledge of creating sustainable new uses for heritage buildings and in working with new audiences. The CCT will build on and share its existing experience with projects like St Paul’s, Bristol, a circus school and All Souls, Bolton where we are in the process of creating a community and meeting space.

The learning from the project will be extended throughout Europe through the pan- European network Future for Religious Heritage.

Crispin Truman, Chief Executive of The Churches Conservation Trust and Chair of
Future for Religious Heritage, commented:

“This is excellent news, not only for the buildings directly involved in this project but because of the learning it will provide for other European partners on the reuse of cultural heritage buildings.”

Kempens Landschap’s Philippe De Backer welcomed the decision and its potential for
trans-national cooperation on the re-use of heritage buildings: 

“It is great that three organisations with shared priorities have been able to come together to learn from each other. We truly believe that a trans-national partnership with the Churches Conservation Trust and Suffolk Mind will make the difference for the regeneration of valuable heritage buildings.”

Jo Searle, Chief Executive of Suffolk Mind commented:

“Heritage is not our core business and it is excellent that we have the support of two conservation partners across Europe. This grant is a real help to our vision of creating a well being centre in a medieval church in Ipswich on the historic waterfront.”

    

Read more about the funders INTERREG 

Read the full press release