12/06/2025: Breckland's Swaffham Heritage Partnership shortlisted for major national award

Breckland Council is delighted to announce that the "Swaffham - A Historic Market Town" project was shortlisted for a prestigious Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Award, recognising excellence in Public-Public Partnerships.

This pioneering initiative brings together some of the UK's leading heritage and cultural organisations - including Historic England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Norfolk County Council, Norfolk and Norwich Festival, and Swaffham Town Council - working in close collaboration with Breckland Council to deliver regeneration rooted in local history, community participation, youth engagement, and digital innovation.

The project aims to unlock Swaffham's economic potential through heritage-led investment, including restoring landmark buildings and making them fit for modern use, while equipping young people with valuable skills through local partnerships with Nicholas Hamond Academy and the College of West Anglia.

Launched in April 2024, the current phase will invest over £1 million into Swaffham's town centre, building on the legacy of the High Street Heritage Action Zone, which brought more than £875,000 of investment into the town.

Engagement and innovation remain at the heart of the project, with local primary school pupils having recently taken part in a creative programme to recreate Swaffham's historic landmarks in Minecraft - combining cultural learning with digital skill-building.

Councillor Paul Claussen, Executive Member for Economic Development & Growth, said: "This shortlisting is a testament to what can be achieved when local councils build meaningful partnerships. By blending heritage, technology, and creativity, we're showing how the past can help shape a thriving future for our communities."

Tony Calladine, East of England Regional Director, Historic England, said: "The Swaffham partnership exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration in heritage-led regeneration. Building on the success of the High Street Heritage Action Zone, we're seeing real change in how historic buildings are being restored and repurposed for community benefit. This project is also creating meaningful opportunities for young people to develop skills and interest in conservation careers. By engaging the whole community, we're ensuring that Swaffham's rich history continues to be a source of local pride and economic prosperity for years to come."

Liz Bates, Area Director, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: "Successful heritage-led regeneration depends upon excellent collaborative working between partners, as this well-deserved nomination attests to. We're pleased to be one of several funders for the "Swaffham - A Historic Market Town" project, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players."

Alex Anslow, Festival Connect & Create Senior Producer, Norfolk & Norwich Festival, commented: "Norfolk & Norwich Festival is delighted to be leading on the project's youth engagement programme. We know that culture and creativity play a vital role in the development of children and young people, encouraging a strong sense of identity, increasing confidence, enabling curiosity and building a sense of connection. This project is helping the young people of Swaffham to have their voices heard and their perspectives shared, influencing the future of the market town."