Historic England identifies 20 heritage sites with potential for 2,500 new homes
Historic England has identified 20 historic sites across England that could help deliver up to 2,500 new homes through redevelopment and regeneration projects.
The announcement adds to ongoing discussions about how existing buildings can contribute to housing supply alongside new development, including recent analysis of the factors driving housing affordability pressures across London. Questions about the future of Britain’s housing stock are also becoming increasingly important as planners and developers consider how homes may need to adapt to a changing climate over the coming decades.
The sites form part of the organisation’s 2026 Heritage Investment Prospectus, which showcases vacant or underused historic buildings where owners are actively seeking investors, buyers or development partners.
Among the properties highlighted are former breweries, factories, mills, schools, banks, and swimming baths. Historic England says bringing these buildings back into use could create up to 1,500 homes within the sites themselves, with the potential rising to around 2,500 homes when adjacent land is included.
The organisation says historic buildings remain an important part of local identity and community life, even when they are no longer being used. The prospectus highlights opportunities to preserve these buildings while giving them a new purpose.
Historic England is encouraging developers to engage early in the process, saying its regional teams can help reduce development risks and support regeneration projects that respect local character.
The prospectus also highlights the wider economic value of heritage-led regeneration. Historic England says historic buildings continue to attract businesses and creative industries, helping to support investment and activity in local areas.
According to Historic England, repairing and repurposing existing historic buildings across England could support the creation of up to 670,000 homes in the future.
Questions about the future of Britain’s housing stock are also becoming increasingly important as planners, developers and policymakers consider how homes will need to respond to long-term environmental changes.
Could historic buildings play a bigger role in solving England’s housing shortage? Follow EyeOnLondon for more reporting on housing, planning and regeneration.
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