Thriving Places
![People sitting in a sunny park, near a bandstand](/sites/default/files/styles/main_image_desktop/public/media/imgs/Bandstand_Pearson%20Park_North_0.jpg.webp?itok=JeMxxCvU)
What we mean by place
‘Place’ can mean many things, and definitions vary depending on where you are or who you ask. But examples include a local community, a natural landscape or an entire city.
How heritage supports great places
Many areas across the UK have a ‘sense of place’ that inspires local pride and increases wellbeing.
Heritage sits at the heart of a place’s identity, adding depth, character and value. This can include buildings and monuments, landscapes, high streets and parks.
Heritage helps connect people and communities to a place and boosts local economic prosperity.
Our funding for heritage projects
We welcome projects that take a 'place-based approach'. Place-based working is about:
- identifying challenges and opportunities in the heritage of a place
- developing responses which bring about benefits for both the heritage and the place
- thinking beyond an individual project by considering how it relates to your local area and community
- partnering or coordinating with other organisations to increase the impact of your project
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently prioritising projects that create better places to live, work and visit, and boost local economies.
See our funding programmes to find out how to apply.
A place funder, not just a project funder
We also support place-based working by:
- devolving decision-making, which enables locally based staff, with local expertise, to assess applications and make awards
- addressing under-representation in our funding of geographical areas experiencing deprivation
- working with local councils and others to connect our funding to wider local priorities
- working with national partners and agencies on major place-based initiatives
Running a place-based project
Need help or inspiration?
You can find useful guidance here:
And discover how heritage can create better places in the project examples below.
![Dancers perform an Indian classical dance called Bharatanatyam at the Global Roots Festival in Knowsley. A group of young people perform an Indian classical dance called Bharatanatyam.](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/global_roots_festival_knowsley_young_producers_credit_knowsley_council_11_3.jpg.webp?itok=jP7u2ypB)
Blogs
How targeted support has helped Knowsley's heritage thrive
![Act for Action CIC A group of people with handmade props and decorations](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/photo_credit_-_act_for_action_cic_1.jpg.webp?itok=7mnwAuCP)
Projects
Supporting people in Knowsley to explore their heritage
The Knowsley Golden Thread project will champion inclusivity and enable groups, organisations and local communities to drive their involvement in heritage.
![a night-time view of Great Yarmouth's waterfront](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/great_yarmouth_-_shutterstock.jpg.webp?itok=RKfnwkym)
Stories
Case study: heritage supporting revitalisation in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft
![Computer render of the refurbished Winter Gardens: and iron and glass building with open spaces, lush plants and visitors.](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/great_yarmouth_winter_garden_-cgi_-_entrance_porch_-_tower_event_space_copy.jpg.webp?itok=hwIDThKZ)
Projects
Great Yarmouth Winter Gardens - Reimagining the People's Palace
Great Yarmouth Borough Council is restoring the UK’s last surviving Victorian ironwork seaside winter gardens.
Basic Page
Strategic initiatives
![Albert Avenue outdoor swimming pool in Hull An aerial view of Albert Avenue outdoor swimming pool in Hull](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/albert_avenue_-_credit_esteem.jpg.webp?itok=OsrsQR3R)
Projects
A lido revolution: championing outdoor swimming
The Pooling Resources project, led by Future Lidos, has developed and delivered a digital toolkit to support the revival of lidos across the UK.
![Helen Featherstone, Director of England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund A head and shoulders image of Helen Featherstone](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/helen_featherstone_headshot_c_roth_reed_photography.jpg.webp?itok=8mMqumzP)
Blogs
A year as Director of England, North: resilience and saving heritage
![Two young boys taking part in a performance with two women. Photo credit: Andrew Baker.](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_body_full/public/media/imgs/landing-blocks/324_nhm_olympian_220610_hf_abk-1000.jpg.webp?itok=2aWoh1-z)
Publications
How our targeted funding is improving confidence and collaboration
![Court House, Bangor Front elevation of The Court House, Bangor building in the evening.](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/954x536_court_house_bangor_0.jpg.webp?itok=xKd8eD7W)
Projects
How a derelict building on Bangor’s seafront became Northern Ireland’s newest venue
Thanks to overwhelming community support, Open House turned a former bank and court house in Bangor into a contemporary music venue, saving it from dereliction.
![Nottingham City Council parks A person walks on a path under trees and next to a lake in summer](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/nottingham-city-council.jpg.webp?itok=G40iS_M4)
News
Two awards for a programme putting nature at the heart of thriving urban places
![Ted, owner of Etty & Tyler along with his sons Ted at his shop in Forest Gate](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/042_et_1_0.jpg.webp?itok=yU5ejCCm)
Projects
Full Cycle: a history of cycling in Forest Gate
This project will look at the cycling history of Forest Gate in Newham – an important cycling epicentre in the late 19th century close to Epping Forest.
News