Historic England : Heritage, Growth & Housing

Yemí took part in a breakfast roundtable hosted by Historic England and committee member Patricia Brown MBE, bringing together architects, developers and local authority leaders to explore the role of heritage in sustainable growth.

Yemí ’s starting point was clear. Heritage and housing growth are not in conflict. When treated as partners, they can create places that are functional, meaningful and resilient over time.

She encouraged a broader understanding of what it means for a place to be historic, emphasising that buildings gain significance through lived experience and collective memory, not age alone. More recent housing and everyday places can be just as historically meaningful as traditionally recognised heritage.

Drawing on her cross sector experience, Yemi highlighted the importance of collaboration, clarity and timely decision making to ensure heritage supports communities, development and long term place making.