Heritage Sites: Sustainability

Discussed the heritage sustainability in Orkney and Shetland, highlighting UNESCO world heritage sites such as Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and St Magnus Cathedral. Raised concerns about the growth of cruise ship traffic affecting these sites and the threat of climate change to historical locations like Skara Brae.

Mr Smith expressed the importance of heritage sites for education, economic benefits, and community well-being. He highlighted the need to address climate change by improving energy efficiency in historic buildings and reducing emissions. Mr Smith also raised concerns about VAT on work on historical properties compared to new constructions, which may lead to demolition rather than repair. The pandemic exacerbated financial difficulties due to cancelled maintenance projects and high costs for operators and visitors, contributing to a £2 billion backlog of repairs.

He commended Jamie Stone's debate on heritage sites, highlighting Greyabbey Abbey as a prime example. He emphasized the importance of funding to ensure that each pound spent on historic sites attracts tourist money and benefits local businesses.

Mr Gullis highlighted the success of Middleport pottery, which has been revived through support from King Charles III's charities and received £249,962 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. He discussed challenges facing Stoke-on-Trent's heritage sites such as the Queen's Theatre, Burslem indoor market, and the Wedgwood Institute, noting a cost range of £30 million to £40 million for restoration. He mentioned the destruction by arsonists of the Leopard pub, an important historical site, and advocated for support in turning it into housing. Gullis also praised Government efforts against rogue landlords at Price and Kensington teapot works and proposed plans for Chatterley Whitfield colliery to be developed as a geothermal energy project with potential to power 500 homes.

Discussed Brookwood cemetery in his constituency, a grade I listed historic park and garden with over 265,000 remains. While the borough council has restored the site's buildings and flora, ongoing maintenance is challenging due to budget constraints. He seeks further restoration support from national bodies.

He expressed concern about the uncertain future of Reading gaol, a grade II listed building known for Oscar Wilde's incarceration. He highlighted that despite spending on maintenance and receiving an offer from Reading Borough Council, the Ministry of Justice has not sold it to community-led bids since mothballing in 2013.

Concerned about the financial challenges of restoring a large, grade II listed railway goods shed in Llanelli. Despite its historical significance and community support, securing funding for restoration is difficult. The planning authority's refusal to permit solar panels hinders sustainability efforts and increases running costs.

Mr Grady highlighted the economic and social value of heritage sites in Glasgow, mentioning examples like the Maryhill Burgh Halls and Provan Hall. He discussed how charitable giving, grants, and support from statutory bodies help preserve such sites. Mr Grady also emphasised the importance of sustainable development for these assets to ensure their long-term viability.

Concerned about the risks to Lake District's world heritage site status due to environmental challenges, including changes in farm payments leading to potential loss of farmers and degradation of the landscape. Noted that 27 out of 1,000 farmers in his constituency had signed up for the new scheme, risking a reduction in basic payments by at least one-third. Emphasised the importance of protecting the tourism economy worth £3.5 billion annually with 60,000 jobs and preserving community integrity against second home ownership and private land acquisition.