Heritage assets are built to last so take a long-term view of their management. In their asset management plans, local authorities should take a long-term strategic view of the value and importance of the heritage assets they own or have responsibility for including the cultural, social and environmental value that these assets hold for the local community. They should avoid taking a ‘buildings only’ based approach to the historic environment, which has often resulted in ‘old buildings’ being restored in isolation from their contexts and often from just a fabric, as opposed to a functional, perspective. Many heritage assets are well-constructed and are inherently sustainable, capable of significant adaptation to meet a local authority’s changing property needs. Retention, investment and re-use of a heritage asset could therefore offer better value for money and a more sustainable outcome for the local taxpayer. Even with heritage assets that do not serve core local authority purposes, the best option may be to retain the buildings in certain circumstances because they may play an important strategic role in local authorities’ housing and regeneration strategies.

Case Study: North Wales Hospital, Denbigh

This case study explores the consequences of not taking the long-term view when disposing of a heritage asset. Not only are such practices unsustainable, they can also result in high cost implications for all parties involved. North Wales Hospital, Denbigh, is an example of a disposal without building in the necessary safeguards to ensure that new owner would manage the heritage assets appropriately and convert to suitable new uses.