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Historic buildings to be given a green overhaul
Rich heritage of landmark streets to be preserved to ‘stand the tes of time’
HISTORIC buildings in Soho and the West End could be made more environmentally friendly according to a new study from the University of Westminster.
Of the more radical recommendations to make Georgian and Victorian buildings greener is a heating system where hot air is pumped into the ground and stored up until it is needed.
Other improvements include solar panelled roofs, creating “model” buildings and greater incentives to reward landlords and tenants who make strides to reduce their carbon footprints.
The report, published last week, recommends setting up an umbrella organisation consisting of major landowners, community groups, English Heritage and the council, to manage the proposals and tackle greenhouse emissions.
Robert Davis, deputy leader of Westminster Council said: “Westminster’s rich historical heritage plays an essential role in contributing to its unique character.
“Adapting existing buildings to meet green requirements is a challenge but we consider sustainability and heritage to be mutually compatible in the future of the West End, which is why we commissioned this report.
“Working with property owners, academics, developers and industry leaders, we hope to come up with practical ways of finding long-term environmental design solutions that are in accordance with the character of each historic building.”
Tony Lloyd-Jones, director of research at the Max Lock Centre at the University of Westminster, who led the research team, said: “Soho lies at the heart of London’s West End and is the principal centre for creative industries in London and the UK.
“As such it can set a highly visible example of how historic mixed use, commercial core areas can be made more sustainable.
“These areas, with their attractive and lively streets and spaces, are immensely valuable in cultural and economic terms. Their buildings are very adaptable to a range of uses, and so tend to stand the test of time.
“We need to work with them to get the best out of them for the environment. We believe we have shown this is possible given better understanding of retrofitting measures by local authorities, property owners and tenants and the use of green leases to overcome potential conflicts of interest.”
The study was jointly funded by the council, the Soho Community Environment Fund, English Heritage and the Crown Estate. |
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