Why we should restore old buildings

The importance of restoring historic buildings cannot be understated; with more than one in five buildings in Britain pre-dating 1919, our historic architecture is one of the country’s most valuable assets. London, which plays host to some of the most important cultural landmarks in the UK’s history, receives £36 billion annually from tourism revenue. Beyond that, however, historical buildings are hallmarks of a bygone era, of our ancestors who utilised innovative architecture to satisfy needs, develop the economy, and express themselves artistically. Restoration involves returning a building to its original, historically accurate aesthetic while meeting the health and safety codes of modern construction. Without investing in building restoration, we are unable to give back to our history, culture, community and even our environment. Restoring Buildings Helps To Preserve Our Cultural Heritage Historical building restoration preserves valuable structures for the future and works as a physical reminder of our nation’s past. These buildings reflect the long, rich and detailed history of our country. The ongoing conservation of Canterbury Cathedral from between 2016 and 2021 seeks to preserve the city’s connection to Christianity and the death of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Beckett in 1170. Historic buildings like Canterbury Cathedral are a physical reminder of our past and a monument to the architectural talent of our ancestors. Because of this, allowing these structures to deteriorate is ultimately ignoring that heritage and the lessons we can learn from them. Building Restoration Can Revitalise The Economy Conserving historic buildings is important for the country’s economic growth, as restoring properties brings in a large number of contractors, builders, decorators, and tradespeople. The local economy can also be greatly boosted by restoring major historical structures through the tourism and leisure sectors; Big Ben, which finished renovations in 2022, is the third most popular tourist attraction in the world and generates more than £10 million in revenue annually. Historic buildings can also be converted into office spaces which provide a touch of elegance and class to a person’s business, giving existing buildings a new lease on life and fostering the business’ growth. Reusing Existing Buildings Is More Environmentally Sustainable Building restoration is one of the most sustainable construction processes. By giving historic structures a new purpose, it extends their life and cultural relevancy. In comparison to demolishing old buildings to create new ones, restoration reduces material waste and conserves energy, while preserving the architectural skill that went into designing the building. Restoring older buildings sustainably by retaining their classic features, using eco-friendly paints, or constructing with natural materials, shows respect for our heritage while understanding that changed need to be made to prolong architectural staples for years to come. Restoring Historical Buildings Can Offer A Connection To The Past Older buildings have an intrinsic educational value that brings the culture of the past into the present through architecture, interior design and decoration. Examining older structures allows us to acknowledge what came before us and understand what has influenced the present through certain design choices being replicated in other builds. The ABC Building in Manchester, which was built in 1965, was part of a new wave of brutalism and formalism in architecture in the city. Preserving properties like this through restoration allows the building to act as a signifier of our continuously evolving culture, whether it be due to advancements in technology or changes in the political climate. Historic Buildings Often Contribute To The Aesthetic Of A Community Older buildings may symbolise a milestone in the city’s history or represent an architectural style that the area became known for. These landmarks are examples of the city’s cultural and aesthetic history and help the community feel connected to the past. The older a structure is, the fewer examples there are left of its kind, as new builds continue to be developed. This risks diminishing the aesthetic and heritage value of a certain community. Through restoration and updating older properties’ units, we can preserve the aesthetic, cultural, and economic benefits of these landmarks for future generations of communities. Demolishing a building instead of simply restoring it risks erasing rare architectural details that are significant to a location’s history or culture. The National Heritage List for England, which is the official register for nationally protected buildings, is an important example of the country’s continued respect for heritage, preservation, and architecture. Historic buildings are essential to maintaining the country’s cultural relevancy. It is therefore essential that we continue to devote time, money and resources to restoring and renewing these iconic landmarks. In modern construction and architecture, which rely heavily on technological innovations, older buildings have great cultural importance that shapes the country’s landscape. Byline: Jake Michael, spokesperson for Lasertec Laser Cleaning

Why we should restore old buildings

Historic buildings are essential to maintaining the country’s cultural relevancy. It is therefore essential that we continue to devote time, money and resources to restoring and renewing these iconic landmarks

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