Celebrating 50 years of the Architectural Heritage Fund
Last week, Purcell Chairperson Elizabeth Smith joined the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) to celebrate its 50th anniversary, reflecting on five decades of investment in historic buildings and the opportunities for heritage-led regeneration to shape more sustainable, inclusive and resilient communities.
Held at The London Centre, the event included a private viewing of AHF: 50 Years of Reimagining Heritage, an exhibition celebrating the organisation's contribution to safeguarding and transforming historic places across the UK.
In her address, Liz emphasised the importance of recognising heritage as a catalyst for positive change, rather than a constraint on development. She highlighted the vital role of conservation and adaptive reuse in responding to the climate emergency, strengthening civic identity and creating inclusive, resilient places.
“Conservation architecture is about more than restoring the fabric of a building and can be instrumental in helping to shape civic identity and achieve social accessibility to our rich heritage,” she explained.
Central to her reflections was the importance of collaboration, creativity and long-term stewardship in ensuring historic buildings remain relevant to the communities they serve.
“By considering heritage as a catalyst for placemaking and not a constraint, we can craft the identity of the places around us. Protecting and celebrating the past, while ensuring its continued relevance and impact for current and future generations.”
Liz also highlighted the importance of funding organisations such as the AHF in unlocking the social, cultural and economic potential of historic places.
Drawing on Purcell’s work at Alice Billing House in Newham, East London, she demonstrated how targeted investment in heritage can deliver lasting community benefits. Supported by funding from the AHF, the restoration transformed a historic building at risk into an accessible community space and affordable creative workspace, providing opportunities for local artists and businesses to thrive.
Liz also reflected on her role in establishing the inaugural RIBA Conservation Award, created to celebrate and share exemplary approaches to conservation. The first award was recently presented to the Buttermarket in Redruth, Cornwall, another AHF
