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Our investment in the heritage of the UK over eleven years has not only transformed the landscape in terms of material conservation; it has dramatically shifted the way in which heritage is defined and understood. We have broadened the base of heritage supporters and champions, attracted new audiences and brought about a more democratic and participative approach which we believe has huge potential to multiply the benefits of our funding in future.
But counting up and analysing the precise contribution of heritage to our national life is not an easy task. As well as evaluating the social, economic and environmental impacts of our funding, we have also set out to capture the less tangible and more inspiring values and benefits that people associate with heritage.
Our citizens’ juries
Working with the think tank Demos, we are leading the way in developing a model for the ‘public value’ of heritage and have begun to test this using citizens’ juries to evaluate completed HLF-funded projects.
Participants told us that heritage matters to them because:
It contributes to knowledge – it helps us learn about ourselves, our history and the places around us.
Heritage delivers a sense of identity on a personal, community, regional or national level.
It is important for our children. It is a bequest that we want to hand on for future generations.
It is what makes places special - it contributes distinctiveness which is in turn closely linked to local and cultural identity.
And participants identified a wide range of benefits arising from heritage projects funded by HLF:
Economic benefits: heritage projects contribute strongly to regeneration
and economic growth, creating a ‘ripple effect’ of well-being across a host of areas from employment to enjoyment and pride.
Benefits to the local area and the environment: heritage projects improve the profile and reputation of an area, lead to a safer and improved environment, reduce anti-social behaviour and improve leisure opportunities.
Community benefits: heritage projects help communities by creating greater public spirit, mutual understanding and pride in the local area. This applies particularly to projects which celebrate and commemorate the history of ordinary people.
Other research
This is backed up by quantitative research into people's views on heritage places and activities. Heritage is a national pastime and pleasure:
A report for CABE (2004) found that 85% of people surveyed felt that the quality of public space and the built environment has a direct impact on their lives and the way they feel.
82% of people think it is important for their local town or
city to have its own museum or art gallery (MORI survey for MLA, 2004).
More people visit museums, cathedrals, historic buildings and parks than go to live sporting events or zoos and theme parks.
There are over a billion day visits to the countryside each year.
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