1. Old Towns – Worries v Privileges Brian Smith Secretary General

2. Introduction
Activities of the European Association of Historic Towns and Regions
Investing in Heritage – the contribution cultural heritage and historic towns make to the Lisbon strategy
Conclusions and comments on historic town collaboration and future projects of EAHTR

3. Activities of EAHTR
EAHTR formed in Strasbourg by Council of Europe in October 1999
Initial membership - International, National and Regional Associations
Since 2005 Individual cities able to join as full members
Members in 28 European Countries
Now represents approx 1000 historic towns and cities
12 International, National, Regional Associations and range of individual cities

4. Secretariat – Norwich, UK Aim
Bureau membership
Up to 6 associations
Up to 6 cities
Up to 3 international organisations
Up to 3 individuals
Secretary General
Secretariat – Norwich, UK
Aim
To promote the interests of Europe's historic towns and regions
Objectives
International co-operation between historic cities and heritage organisations

5. Share experience and good practice
Promote vitality, viability, and sustainability of historic towns
Activities
Organised over 20 Symposia in 10 European Countries since 1999
Newsletter & Web Site
Participate, lead and support European Commission projects
INHERIT, EPOCH, CULT-STRAT
Member support
Arrange Historic Towns visits
England Netherlands June 2008

6. Produce and Disseminate Good Practice Guidelines e.g.
Heritage Led Regeneration
Appointment of ‘Experts’ to work on key issues
Funding
Member Subscriptions
Support from Norwich City Council
Support from Council of Europe
3 year Framework Agreement Culture 2008 – 2010
Project participation on self financing basis

7. INHERIT
Investing in Heritage –A Guide to Successful Urban Regeneration’
Interreg 3C
EAHTR –
Lead partner
6 cities
Newcastle,
Belfast, Gdansk,
Gothenburg, Ubeda, & Verona
19 case studies
Lessons & Success factors
over 100,000 hits

8. Objectives Explore in depth partner experience
Identify processes and factors leading to success
Identify examples of good practice
Evaluate EU regional policy
Produce guidance for local and regional authorities
Transfer knowledge and experience

9. EU Regional Policy
Lisbon Strategy 2000– most competitive knowledge based economy –2010
Göteborg Agenda 2001– more sustainable development – combating climate change
3 Priorities
Convergence - €283B
Regional competitiveness and employment - €55B
Territorial co-operation- €8.7B

10. Heritage led regeneration not explicitly identified
Case studies show importance of Objective 1 status
Vital that contribution of cultural heritage is now made clear
Urban regeneration
Sustainable development
Social well being
INHERIT report coincides with Ist year of new EU priorities
Need to lobby Managing Authorities to secure access to Structural Funds

11. Focus on Identity and Diversity…..
Prepare ‘audit’ to define character
Recognise contribution of ‘common heritage’ to character
Understand social value of ‘identity’ to local people and visitors
Encourage ‘diversity’ to spread activities and ensure sustainable
new uses for old buildings
Relate cultural approaches to people, buildings and recent events
Value ‘quality’ in terms of design and materials and welcome good contemporary design

12. Invest in Regeneration – especially the Public Realm….
Use public sector investment as catalyst for wider regeneration - especially in the ‘public realm’
Balance accessibility with enhanced space for pedestrians, cyclists and the reduction of pollution
Improve surfaces using natural and other quality materials, enhance lighting, signage and interpretation and consider modernising infrastructure
Include public art to enliven an area and contribute to its identity
Link public realm improvements to opportunities for cultural events

13. Work in Partnership….
Recognise the respective roles of the public, private and community sectors – provide leadership
Work with the private sector and consider new approaches to delivering public benefit
Involve the community and key stakeholders in decision making
Understand the value of community engagement in building ‘pride of place’
Encourage community and stakeholder ‘champions’ to promote the benefits of investing in heritage

14. Think and Act Strategically…..
Value investing in heritage as key to sustainable urban regeneration
Understand ‘identity of place’ and integrate heritage into corporate strategy
Recognise importance of leadership, aspiration and holistic approach with appropriate structures
Ensure specialist skills and capacity are available and facilitate training
Monitor results and quantify environmental, social and economic benefits
Link benefits with the ‘Lisbon’ and ‘Göteborg’ agendas – job creation and sustainability

15. EAHTR Future Priorities
Campaign to attract towns and cities & exploration of corporate membership
Need to strengthen core funding
Programme of Symposia
Bydgoszcz Poland, Sep 2009 (Joint with Council of Europe)
Istanbul, Spring 2010
(Joint with Council of Europe)
Turku, Finland Sep 2011
Programme of guidelines & dissemination 2009 – 2010 e.g
INHERIT action checklist

16. Focus on sharing expertise
Sustainable Tourism
Impact of air quality on cultural Heritage –erosion and staining
Identification of historic town visits 2009 – 2010
Focus on sharing expertise
Creation of European Technical network database
Creation of ‘Heritage Zone’ social networking site for technical experts
Develop INHERIT and promote its implementation
Participation in European projects e.g HerO

17. HerO –Heritage as Opportunity
URBACT funded for 3 years up to June 2011
Sustainable management strategies for historic centres –10 city partners
EAHTR - External expertise partner
Support development of project
Help organise workshops /symposia
Disseminate outcomes

18. Collaboration with Managing Authorities requirement of URBACT
Outputs will include management plans for each city and examples of how to access Structural Funds
Key will be demonstrating how investing in heritage realises social and economic benefit

19. Conclusions
EAHTR an established network of historic towns and cities of varying sizes
Mission & experience consistent with Letter of Intent
Crucial that historic towns access structural funds 2007 – 2013
Interpretation of current policy needed
Show social and economic benefits
Liase with Managing Authorities

20. Need to establish strong policy lobby to ensure cultural heritage is fully recognised in EU priorities post 2014
Opportunity for EAHTR to support your aspirations to work together and for you to participate in EAHTR’s activities
Investing in heritage major challenge – also duty we owe to future generations