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Across Wales, towns and cities are increasingly turning to heritage as a catalyst for regeneration, identity, and community renewal. Historic buildings, industrial landscapes, marketplaces, waterfronts and civic spaces are being reimagined not simply as reminders of the past, but as foundations for vibrant and sustainable futures.
This event will explore how heritage-led regeneration can support placemaking in towns and smaller urban centres, drawing lessons from Welsh cities and communities that have used culture, architecture and local identity to reshape public life and economic development.
Through presentations, discussion and case studies, the event will examine key questions including:
What can small towns learn from Welsh cities?
How can heritage-led regeneration support placemaking?
What role should heritage buildings play within the new placemaking agenda?
What are the main challenges facing heritage-led town regeneration?
The discussion will consider the balance between conservation and change, the reuse of historic buildings, community participation, tourism, public realm improvements, and the role of heritage in creating places where people want to live, work and visit.
Bringing together practitioners, academics, local authorities, heritage organisations and community voices, the event aims to encourage new thinking around how historic environments can help shape resilient, distinctive and people-centred towns for the future.