Breckland Council is celebrating the successful completion of the repairs to the Town Pound within the Swaffham – A Historic Market Town project, an award-nominated £1 million heritage regeneration initiative that has restored key sites, delivered creative youth projects, and preserved local history for future generations.
A highlight of the programme so far has been the full restoration of the historic Town Pound, supported by £56,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Working with Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) and BOOST, 22 local young people were mentored by professional conservators from specialist heritage contractor Cliveden Conservation and local tradespeople to carry out the conservation works while gaining valuable hands-on experience and qualifications. All of the local young people who took part were either college students or Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), or at risk of becoming so, those who are disengaged or facing multiple barriers to mainstream education and training.
17 participants achieved an Entry Level 3 City & Guilds accreditation, including in brickwork, with 77% now considering a career in construction and 85% feeling more confident about future job prospects. 92% also reported improved wellbeing as a result of taking part.
The Town Pound’s repair used traditional techniques and materials to halt deterioration and reopen the site to the public with new interpretation panels, showcasing its importance to Swaffham’s heritage.
Cllr Paul Claussen, Breckland Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development & Growth, said: “It’s fantastic to see a piece of Swaffham’s history brought back to life while giving local young people the chance to learn new skills and gain confidence. Projects like this show how heritage can not only boost our market towns but make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Tim Reading, CEO and Co-Founder of VIY, commented: “It’s been really exciting to invest in this historic project here in Swaffham – one which we hope to replicate at heritage sites across the UK. It’s a great example of watching local young people and local mentors take a stake in what heritage means for them and their community – and pass specialist skills from one generation to the next.”
Tony Calladine, East of England Regional Director, Historic England, added: “The restoration of Swaffham’s Town Pound demonstrates the transformative power of hands-on learning. The completion of this vital conservation work has been thanks to the remarkable achievements of young people who have gained skills, confidence and a genuine pathway to meaningful careers. The specialist heritage skills developed during this project are increasingly rare and are essential to ensure that historic buildings so important to local people and be loved and in use for the future.”
Katie Langridge, Head of Conservation and Operations (East), Cliveden Conservation, enthused: “Cliveden Conservation has been delighted to be involved in the Swaffham Town Pound project, not only helping to safeguard the future of this important Grade II listed structure, but also to engage with young people and teach practical skills in a meaningful context. Opportunities like this open up the chance to give others a genuine experience of heritage and construction work that cannot be replicated in a single day or through classroom learning alone.”
