Successful heritage planning requires more than just statutory compliance; it demands a robust strategic framework grounded in cultural values. This course guides strategic planners and heritage officers through the lifecycle of heritage strategy—from the foundational principles of the Burra Charter to the realisation of cutting-edge heritage outcomes.

Participants will first revisit the "values-based approach," learning how to translate aesthetic, historic, social, and scientific significance into defensible strategic policy. We will examine how these heritage values interact with competing pressures, including economic viability, urban design, and sustainability goals.

Critically, the course addresses the defining challenges of the late 2020s. We will explore how to future-proof heritage strategies by integrating climate resilience (adaptation and retrofitting), engaging diverse community voices, and fostering design-led conservation. Drawing on local and international examples that are leading the way, this masterclass demonstrates how to transform heritage from a regulatory hurdle into a key driver of urban identity and sustainability.

Designed For

Strategic planners, policy managers, urban designers, heritage officers, and consultants involved in the preparation of Heritage Studies, Municipal Heritage Strategies, Structure Plans, or Thematic Environmental Histories.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Apply the Burra Charter: Utilise the Burra Charter process to ground strategic decision-making in a rigorous understanding of cultural significance.
•  Operationalise Values: Translate intangible concepts—such as social, spiritual, and community values—into tangible planning policy and local strategies.
•  Develop Strategy: Structure a comprehensive Local Government Heritage Strategy that aligns with Council Plans and broader planning, economic and sustainability goals.
•  Address Climate Change: Develop policy frameworks that support adaptive reuse and the environmental retrofitting of heritage assets.
•  Enhance Inclusivity: Implement people-centred engagement techniques to capture diverse community narratives and underrepresented voices.
•  Promote Design Excellence: Formulate "design-led" heritage policies that encourage high-quality contemporary interventions.
  

Presenter

Dr James Lesh is a historian, heritage specialist, and the founding director of Heritage Workshop – a consultancy delivering innovative solutions in heritage planning, policy, placemaking and research. A recognised thought leader, James has published extensively on the theory and history of the field. He holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne and has held research and teaching positions across Australia and the United Kingdom.

Terms & Conditions

Registrations cancelled more than 14 days prior to the event date will not incur any fees and a full refund will be granted.

If you cannot attend and you are within 14 days of the event date, you can transfer your ticket to another person.

In all other situations we cannot issue a refund or credit.

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