The Oswestry High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) project came about when we successfully applied for £700,000 of government funding to help tackle empty properties and enhance the heritage of the town in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

It follows Oswestry’s successful bid to Historic England last year to become a High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ).

High streets heritage action zones is a £95 million government-funded programme led by Historic England, designed to secure lasting improvements and help breathe new life into our historic high streets for the communities and businesses that use them.

Historic England is working with local people and partners to unlock the rich heritage on these high streets. This is through repair and improvement works as well as arts and cultural programmes, making them more attractive to residents, businesses, tourists and investors. There's currently 68 projects across England.

The lead partners in each place (mostly local authorities) are working with Historic England to develop and deliver schemes that will transform and restore disused and dilapidated buildings into new homes, shops, workplaces and community spaces, thus helping to restore local historic character and improving public realm.

The Oswestry scheme is worth £1.8 million, with match funding and support being provided by Oswestry Town Council, Shropshire Council and private investment. 

You can contact the team by emailing: oswestryhshaz@shropshire.gov.uk