We are now over two years into the delivery of our 10-year Heritage 2033 strategy. Shaped through wide consultation and responsive to today’s ever-changing and challenging environment, it has allowed those of you who care for heritage to meet diverse heritage needs in communities across the UK with ambition and a sense of innovation.  

I am pleased to report that to date, we’ve committed £481million to 1,051 projects under Heritage 2033. Each project will make a difference for people and places, and celebrate the unique and connected heritage of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, from urban centres and rural communities to wild landscapes.

We’ve also launched five strategic initiatives with a combined value of £385m to address large-scale heritage challenges, accelerate new ideas and bridge gaps in our grant-making. These initiatives mean we can respond to particular challenges with specific funding solutions. I am delighted to say that they are already delivering impact. For example, through Landscape Connections, in Scotland, an eight-organisation partnership is connecting coastal landscapes along the Solway Firth. In Wales, Pathways to the Past – a project in Neath Port Talbot, one of our Heritage Places – is supporting heritage organisations to find and keep new volunteers from more diverse communities. Our Places of Worship initiative is supporting the Church of England to expand its Conservation Grants Scheme to fund building repairs, preserve interiors and train a new generation of heritage craft specialists. And across the UK we’re helping to improve the cataloguing and sharing of collections through Archives Revealed.

Most recently, in July, we announced grants and accreditation as part of Nature Towns and Cities. Among the recipients is Belfast, where a co-designed plan will champion nature recovery across the city and surrounding areas, such as the treasured Lagan Valley Regional Park and Belfast Hills. And Birmingham has become the UK’s first accredited Nature City in recognition of its commitment that nature is a right, not a privilege. We’re delivering this strategic initiative in partnership with the National Trust and Natural England, and working closely with NatureScot, Natural Resources Wales and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Explore the dedicated website where we’re sharing resources and new opportunities.

Heritage that matters – locally

Heritage 2033 is built on the principle of devolved, local decision-making around a framework of four investment principles. It’s been great to see so many applications of all sizes coming through that connect people to heritage while creating new opportunities for learning and community involvement. 

For example, All Saints Parish Church in Antrim is not just repairing its Grade A listed tower but also creating long-term environmental benefits through tree and wildflower planting and bird box installation. In addition, the church is designing a range of activities to engage the local community and attract visitors, which will improve its long-term sustainability and contribute to the local economy.

The Pioneer Sailing Trust in Brightlingsea is providing apprenticeship opportunities to young people to learn heritage boat restoration and maintenance skills. The restored vessels will in turn increase the Trust's capacity to help the community experience the water, nature and heritage. Our funding is also supporting the installation of renewable solar energy charging points and the development of a digital learning offer.

In Manchester, we’re assisting Piccadilly Radio, one of the UK's first commercial radio stations, to digitise over 1,800 reel-to-reel tapes chronicling pivotal moments in history – from the birth of punk to Pope John Paul II's visit to Heaton Park. The project will also collect oral histories about the station’s legacy and promote the accessibility of its collection through podcast training.

Meanwhile in Wales, our major investment in Amgueddfa Lechi Cymru, The National Slate Museum, will see the redevelopment of its Grade I listed Victorian workshop and the creation of new exhibition and learning spaces to better engage the community and visitors from further afield. Our funding will also help it improve accessibility and provide opportunities through employment, student placements and training in traditional heritage skills.

Our commitment to heritage for all

But amid the positive news of these inspiring projects, I know there are challenges, too. I continue to hear from many of you – and you tell us through our UK Heritage Pulse surveys – about rising costs, fluctuating visitor numbers and the impact this has on your budgets and planning. 

I want to reassure you that we remain committed to supporting projects that demonstrate adaptability and long-term sustainability. Under Heritage 2033 alone, we’ve invested over £172m in supporting organisations where building resilience was central to their goals. We’ve also provided vital grant increases to help more than 200 projects adapt plans in the face of unforeseen challenges. 

Heritage belongs to all of us, and together, we can ensure that it is valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. We look forward to supporting more inspiring heritage projects, which continue to make an impact on people, places and economies.