High Street Heritage Action Zone Officer

South Norwood is a vibrant neighbourhood on the cusp of change. An ambitious, community-led regeneration programme is underway and a new opportunity has been created to ensure that heritage plays a leading role in these plans.

Croydon Council has secured £1.1m funding from Historic England to deliver and manage the South Norwood High Streets Heritage Action Zone. The programme aims to support the transformation of the area’s high street into the vibrant commercial, community and cultural heart of South Norwood. Shop front and façade improvements, heritage-focussed placemaking projects and entrance improvements to the landmark Stanley Halls will transform the physical within the HAZ boundary area. A comprehensive outreach and activity programme will engage a diverse, multi-cultural community and develop the custodians of local heritage for the future.

This new role, funded by Historic England, will be responsible for raising awareness of the scheme, providing advice on the repair, maintenance and improvement of heritage assets and building successful partnerships to deliver the programme objectives. The role will also support the delivery of a Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan and the development of planning policy and conservation initiatives that are recommended as part of the plan.

The post holder will also promote an understanding of the role of heritage, from the area’s Victorian origins to its transformation into today’s multi-culturally diverse neighbourhood, across the programme’s activities. They will develop and manage the activities in the Community Engagement Plan, as well as supporting a Cultural Consortium to develop and deliver Cultural programme alongside the main activities of the HSHAZ.

The post holder will have experience of project management and engagement in a culturally-diverse community environment. The ability to work effectively with a wide range of town centre stakeholders is essential. Experience in delivering heritage-focused schemes involving the built environment and an understanding of conservation area policy and management are desirable. The role will work in close collaboration with the South Norwood Regeneration Programme Manager and members of the regeneration team. They will also work closely with Croydon’s Conservation team and Historic England.