Councils across the country are facing a pressure to build – to build the new homes we desperately need to meet demand and the new shops and offices that create jobs for our residents.

But it’s important that as we build for the future, we protect the past, and consider how we can make the most of some of the iconic buildings and architecture that make our areas special.

[quote=Claire Kober]"Heritage and growth should go hand in hand."[/quote]

It isn’t always easy. As financial pressures see local authority budgets squeezed, it may be tempting to demolish the old for simple, cheaper buildings in the quest for growth, rather than take on the challenge of restoring complex buildings.

But heritage and growth should go hand in hand. In Haringey, the borough that I lead, we’ve worked closely with the Heritage Lottery Fund to bid for funding to restore some of the borough’s most well-loved landmarks to their former glory.

Our plan to restore the historic Alexandra Palace’s beautiful Victorian theatre, BBC studios and East Court wouldn’t be possible without nearly £19million in HLF funding and its passion for the project.

This isn’t just about preserving the palace’s past. It’s about allowing it to fulfil its potential as one of London’s top destinations – bringing thousands of new visitors to our borough who contribute to our local economy.

And in Tottenham, where our ambitious regeneration plans include 10,000 new homes and more than 1million sq ft of new employment space, the HLF are helping us to ensure the high street doesn’t lose its unique character by providing £1.4m to bring Victorian shop fronts back to their best.

Whether it’s the Victorian streets of Bruce Grove, the Georgian Tottenham High Road or the art-deco Hornsey Town Hall, we’re putting heritage centre-stage in our regeneration work, planning strategies and our dedicated plan for economic growth.

The effect of austerity on local government is a challenge to those of us who want to see our history protected and promoted. But we shouldn’t be in the business of just managing decline.

It’s crucial that councils look at innovative ways of providing services, voluntary and organisations to work with and different sources of funding, rather than just abandoning non-frontline projects like heritage completely.

The HLF has been a great partner to Haringey – showing confidence and enthusiasm for our projects and providing the crucial finance to make them happen.

We’ll continue to work with the HLF with projects including the restoration of a Georgian terrace in Tottenham and work at Bruce Castle Museum, and colleagues across the country should also consider whether a local project could benefit from their insight and funding.