Lancaster High Streets Heritage Action Zone Project Officer
Lancaster, one of England’s designated historic cities, has a compact centre layered in history. The commercial core is relatively strong but some areas immediately around are less so and the city council is working to regenerate these. As part of a government national programme led by Historic England, the council has won High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) status for a characterful area at the interface between the pedestrianised core and the large Canal Quarter regeneration priority area. The HSHAZ is a four-year programme which is underway and designed to secure lasting improvements to historic high streets for the communities who use them. Working closely with key partners, the business community and local people the council will deliver a balanced programme of investments into land and buildings alongside training and cultural activity to preserve and enhance the historic character and uplift the area making streets more attractive to trade from, live and spend time in.
The postholder will work closely with regeneration and conservation team colleagues on multiple activities to support the HSHAZ programme lead and specifically will deliver and administer the main grants programme and community engagement work. The post requires abilities in project and financial management alongside a good understanding of heritage conservation, principles and practise. Work will involve engaging with stakeholder organisations including funding partners, conservation specialists, business and community groups, property owners, individual businesses, developers and individuals. This requires interpersonal, teamworking and communication skills and the ability to build good working relationships.
This post is fixed term until end 31st March 2024. The hours of work for this position are 37 per week working Monday to Friday. There is a requirement from time to time to attend and support meetings and consultation events on weekday evenings, and, only very occasionally, on Saturdays. At this time during the pandemic emergency most council officers are working from home but under normal arrangements the post would be based at Morecambe Town Hall but with the ability to work from council offices in Lancaster as needed.
The Council currently operates an excellent Flexible Working Hours Scheme which applies to this post. Subject to the needs of this business, this may allow employees to work between the hours of 6:00am-10:30pm.
A full UK driving licence is not essential, but the post holder must be able to regularly travel to the HSHAZ area and city centre for site visits and other relevant activity. Pool cars are available for business activity.
Lancaster City Council has declared a climate emergency and will therefore work towards reducing carbon emissions to net-zero by 2030. As part of this role, you will be expected to participate and work towards reducing carbon emissions.
We are a Forces Friendly employer, and an Armed Forces Covenant committed organisation. We welcome applications from defence reserves and other members of our armed forces community.
Excellent benefits include: A Local Government Pension Scheme (the Council makes a 15.5% contribution). Discounted gym membership and discount on days out, activities and retail.
Interview date: Thursday 11th & Friday 12th March 2021
