Streets ahead

THE continuing angst over the economy masks the extent to which Yorkshire's towns and cities have been successfully redeveloped over the past two decades and transformed into thriving commercial centres.

These changes were essential if cities like Sheffield and Bradford, shorn of their traditional manufacturing base, were to prosper in a global and evolving economy. This should not be forgotten.

And, while this journey is far from complete, it is pleasing that English Heritage has recognised the success of those regeneration schemes that have preserved, and even enhanced, many of this region's finest conservation areas. Understanding an area's past is imperative if contemporary challenges are to be understood, and tackled pragmatically.

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Yet this does not mean that conservation area status should be viewed as an obstacle to progress. Quite the opposite. As the schemes highlighted by English Heritage demonstrate, buildings that have been neglected for too long can, invariably, provide new employment opportunities. All that is required is a vision.