Historic Buildings & Places Launches Future Lab to Explore the Next Chapter for Heritage
Historic Buildings & Places (HB&P), one of the UK’s leading heritage charities, has announced the launch of Future Lab, a three-year initiative designed to explore how the organisation can best meet the evolving needs of heritage and communities. The project is being delivered in partnership with the Heritage Innovation Lab Oxford (HILO), bringing academic rigour and sector expertise to HB&P’s pioneering programme.
We are particularly focused on developing bespoke and collaborative programmes which link insights from the best academic research to the largest challenges facing the heritage industry. These programmes not only address the unique challenges of our partners, but are designed to facilitate the wider uptake of research evidence by the heritage sector – ultimately leading to dynamic and innovative solutions for heritage management and conservation.
Founded in 1924 as the Ancient Monuments Society, HB&P works to sustain, defend and promote all aspects of the built historic environment for the benefit of all. As a statutory consultee under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, the charity provides expert advice to local authorities in England and Wales on Listed Building Consent applications and other heritage matters. Its work spans the full spectrum of heritage, from celebrated landmarks to the everyday buildings that shape local communities.
HILO is an interdisciplinary initiative at the University of Oxford, funded primarily through the University’s Strategic Innovation Fund with additional support from the Blenheim Estate. Its mission is to explore and trial new ways of working, enabling University researchers to co-develop innovative, evidence-based solutions with partners across the heritage sector.
Future Lab: Research, Innovation and Impact
Future Lab provides a structured space to test new ideas and explore where HB&P can make the greatest difference. The project draws on robust research, evidence, and sector insights to evaluate emerging priorities, assess potential partnerships, and explore innovative business models for the charity’s future.
“This is an exciting moment for our charity,” says Liz Power, Director of HB&P. “Heritage is changing, and society’s expectations are evolving. Working with HILO allows us to combine practical experience with academic research, giving us the tools to test ideas safely and make decisions based on what truly works.”
“Oxford is honoured to be partnering with HB&P on this wide-ranging project,” adds Dr Pegram Harrison, Senior Fellow in Entrepreneurship at Oxford’s Saïd Business School, and an advisor to Future Lab. “Many of the insights we expect to emerge will have two-way benefits: with management research enhancing the heritage sector, and practices from heritage being applied to other industries.”
The initiative builds on Project 0.5, a preliminary research exercise mapping the priorities and activities of hundreds of heritage organisations across the UK. Insights from this research will guide Future Lab’s first year, which focuses on reviewing HB&P’s purpose, developing tools to measure impact, and exploring opportunities for strategic partnerships.
In years two and three, Future Lab will pilot small-scale projects to evaluate their impact and financial sustainability. Successful initiatives may be integrated into HB&P’s long-term business model, while lessons learned will inform future research and experiments, embedding a culture of innovation and evidence-based decision-making.
Governance and Member Involvement
Future Lab will be overseen by an advisory group of external experts from heritage and academia, alongside HB&P’s Innovation Group of trustees, ensuring rigorous oversight and strategic guidance. Members of HB&P will also be invited to contribute ideas and insights, helping shape the charity’s work for the future.
HB&P encourages members, partners, and heritage enthusiasts to follow the project’s progress through its magazine, Heritage Now, and other communications.
About Historic Buildings & Places
Historic Buildings & Places works to sustain, defend and promote the built historic environment for the benefit of all. Its work includes casework, publications, training, and events, all designed to support good conservation practice and the long-term sustainability of historic sites. HB&P also provides Carbon Literacy training tailored to the needs of historic sites and museums, helping the heritage sector respond to climate change.
About Heritage Innovation Lab Oxford (HILO)
The Heritage Innovation Lab at University of Oxford brings together expertise from across the university to support heritage organisations in developing innovative, evidence-based approaches to protecting and promoting the historic environment.
For more information about Future Lab or to get involved, contact office@hbap.org.uk.
