Edinburgh world heritage site valued at over 1 billion
_by_Fiona_Newton.jpg)
A new report, ‘Edinburgh World Heritage: Economic Value report’, from Edinburgh World Heritage, has found that residents, visitors and businesses attach an economic value of between £1.2 – £1.4 billion to Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.
Edinburgh World Heritage writes:
The survey, using a Treasury-approved approach, is the first time the value of the city’s heritage has been measured in this way.
The report reveals the depth of public support for the World Heritage site. The survey found that 96% of respondents feel that the city’s heritage is beneficial, and that this support is regardless of respondents’ economic or social background. Residents, visitors and businesses all strongly support the conservation of Edinburgh’s heritage, and see the World Heritage Site as a public good and long-term legacy for future generations.
The report was designed to capture the relationships that residents, businesses and visitors have with the site, and to express this through the attribution of a monetary value. Importantly, the contingent valuation established by the research is entirely separate to the commercial activities of businesses and residents within the World Heritage Site.
Adam Wilkinson, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage commented: ‘this pioneering report shows that the World Heritage Site is deeply valued, and that its long term maintenance should be a priority for public spending. It also demonstrates a tremendous breadth of support with visitors, residents, and businesses all seeing the benefit to the city.’
Brian Lang, Chairman of Edinburgh World Heritage said: ‘the World Heritage Site is a fundamental driver of the city’s economy, and plays a vital role in attracting over 4 million visitors every year. The research shows that this value is widely understood, with residents and businesses agreeing that investment in heritage has long-term benefits for the city.’
Cllr. Gavin Barrie, Convener of the Economy Committee, responded: ‘we are immensely proud of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. It brings tremendous value to the city and its economy and this research is to be welcomed. The report spells out why millions of visitors are flooding to Edinburgh every year to enjoy the World Heritage Site. This is of great benefit as the capital is heralded as the ‘gateway’ to the rest of Scotland. Our residents also take pride in the area and businesses report great benefits to the local economy. The evidence suggests that the economic value placed on the World Heritage Site drives investors’ financial decisions.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Civil Engineering during the Industrial Revolution in Britain.
- Conservation in the heritage cities of Venice and Liverpool.
- Delisting Liverpool world heritage site.
- Edinburgh world heritage site valued at over 1 billion.
- Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
- Urban landscape and the delisting of Liverpool - maritime mercantile city.
- World heritage site.
IHBC NewsBlog
Heritage Building Retrofit Toolkit developed by City of London and Purcell
The toolkit is designed to provide clear and actionable guidance for owners, occupiers and caretakers of historic and listed buildings.
70 countries sign Declaration de Chaillot at Buildings & Climate Global Forum
The declaration is a foundational document enabling progress towards a ‘rapid, fair, and effective transition of the buildings sector’
Bookings open for IHBC Annual School 12-15 June 2024
Theme: Place and Building Care - Finance, Policy and People in Conservation Practice
Rare Sliding Canal Bridge in the UK gets a Major Update
A moveable rail bridge over the Stainforth and Keadby Canal in the Midlands in England has been completely overhauled.
'Restoration and Renewal: Developing the strategic case' Published
The House of Commons Library has published the research briefing, outlining the different options for the Palace of Westminster.
Brum’s Broad Street skyscraper plans approved with unusual rule for residents
A report by a council officer says that the development would provide for a mix of accommodation in a ‘high quality, secure environment...
English Housing Survey 2022 to 2023
Initial findings from the English Housing Survey 2022 to 2023 have been published.
Audit Wales research report: Sustainable development?
A new report from Audit Wales examines how Welsh Councils are supporting repurposing and regeneration of vacant properties and brownfield sites.
New Guidance Launched on ‘Understanding Special Historic Interest in Listing’
Historic England (HE) has published this guidance to help people better understand special historic interest, one of the two main criteria used to decide whether a building can be listed or not.
"Conservation Professional Practice Principles" to be updated by IHBC, HTVF, CV
IHBC, HTVF, and CV look to renew this cross-sector statement on practice principles for specialists working in built and historic environment conservation roles.