Walworth Road 'Partnership Scheme in Conservation Areas' Feasibility Study

The proposal is to appoint a suitably qualified consultant with expertise in the market analysis of historic buildings to assess the potential for delivering a successful Historic England Partnership Scheme grant programme (PSICA) within the Walworth Road Conservation Area (included on the Heritage at Risk Register) as a key component of the Walworth Heritage Action Zone (HAZ).

The feasibility study will focus on agreed priority buildings and assess viability, condition and scope costs and identify opportunities and constraints for shopfront and façade enhancement. It will address vacancy, including recommendations for overcoming complex ownership arrangements and working with partners.

The proposed project scopes the potential and provides greater certainty that a PSICA scheme to repair and renovate vacant and underutilized historic assets within the HAZ (and a Conservation Area on the Heritage at Risk register) will secure their future use and viability. It will provide greater certainty of take up for grants and establish broad costs and key targets to maximize impact. The study will ensure that a subsequent PSICA is based on a sound understanding of the current situation and potential to successfully provide jobs, homes, and retail premises. Focused on the 'southern gateway' terraces and key historic properties at risk, the aim is to turn these assets into vibrant, active places which encourage footfall and activity.