Ten years on from the publication of the important report by Foster + Partners and Historic England Cathedral Cities in Peril, many of the perceived tensions between new development and heritage persist: new development is viewed as an opportunity for economic growth or a destructive force affecting a city’s intrinsic character; heritage is a constraint holding back a city or a treasure to be preserved untouched at all costs. A third way would see heritage as the asset that drives investment and growth that build on the existing communities, history and fabric to underpin thriving neighbourhoods and new economies. With the government’s ambitious five-year housing targets high on the planning agenda, and a ‘build, build, build’ rhetoric to match, SAVE’s Building in Context conference in Norwich on 15 May will revisit some of the themes of the Cathedral Cities in Peril report and ask how we can accommodate growth in our historic cities – and enhance the very character which makes them unique and interesting.Advertisement The conference will feature architect Mikhail Riches, past RIBA president Sunand Prasad and the Bartlett Real Estate Institute’s Yolande Barnes, among others. Holding it in Norwich is no coincidence. Norwich is one of Britain’s most spectacular historic cities. With its castle, cathedral and surviving network of medieval streets, it is arguably one of the best-preserved medieval cities north of the Alps. What also makes this city stand out is that it is home to a set of city uses: large-scale corporate finance such as Aviva and smaller-scale legal and professional services; two universities serving a significant student population; a thriving cultural and tourism scene; and a significant entrepreneurial tech and creative industries presence. Most towns in the UK have lost this variety of uses to the super-dominant large cities like London, Bristol and Birmingham. Yet, helped by its unique geographical position, Norwich has retained its diverse economy. Of critical importance to its success is its high-quality historic location and distinctiveness which leads to demand from businesses and people wanting to work and live there. Among young creatives and entrepreneurs, the characteristics of ‘place’ are particularly valued, enabling them to start their own businesses and secure living accommodation at affordable levels compared with London and most parts of the South East. Short-term government objectives to show growth through housing starts; and of volume housebuilders to deliver housing ‘units’ within a short timescale risk not just producing poor architecture and places, but undermining the opportunity for places to regenerate and grow economically in the longer run. How do cities like Norwich retain their diversity of uses, accommodate new development and enhance their rich but sensitive heritage settings? How will we ensure the much-needed homes are integrated into long-term sustainable communities which thrive socially and economically? Should we incentivise developers who are trying to do the right thing? Should government be targeting regeneration more broadly than just housing numbers? These are vital questions. More than ever, we need a new positive approach to show how heritage really works in our favour. Old buildings and places can create a rich setting for new development that works with, rather than against, heritage protection. By doing so, historic cities can lead the way and give their growing populations new and exciting places to live, work and play.Advertisement Henrietta Billings is director of SAVE Britain’s Heritage The SAVE and Norwich Society conference, Building in Context: Delivering Good Growth in Heritage Locations, takes place on 15 May in Norwich. 2025-05-01 Will Hurst comment and share