20 C O N T E X T 8 6 : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 4 IHBC Annual School 2004 IHBC Annual School 2003 IHBC Annual School 2003 sector could provide the delivery mechanism. Kevin Baird considers that this approach is extremely effective in delivering projects on the ground. It takes a massive amount of effort from the partnership and a more hands-on approach from the HLF, but he believes that Jonathan Taylor IHBC is editor of The Building Conservation Directory. Another recent development was the introduction of an on-line version of the Buildings at Risk register (called BARNI) which was launched last year by the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society. The register was first introduced by DoE(NI) in 1992 and then developed by the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society into an attractive series of publications. Where do we go next? One of the most positive aspects of the annual school was the attitude of Richard Rogers, the chief executive of the Environment and Heritage Service. Much of his presentation glossed over the weaknesses in the current system. For example, he described the numbers of buildings listed by his agency, without mentioning the number which have been delisted, and his language was professionally guarded throughout. So, when he finally came to discuss the future of conservation in Northern Ireland, his recognition of the need for change seemed particularly meaningful. Rogers drew attention to the Review of Public Administration which is looking at, among other things, possible options for new structures and what newly-created bodies might deal with. He raised three key issues: whether there was a need for stronger local authority involvement in the planning process; whether responsibilities for heritage ought to remain split between EHS and Planning Service; and whether EHS ought to remain a government agency within the DoE. He drew attention to a report by Professor Richard McCory which has been commissioned by a number of NGOs and will address, among other things, the status of EHS. One of the arguments which some people have presented is that EHS should become an independent agency. ‘Nothing’ he said, ‘except of course a good meal and an exceptional claret, could induce me to say now what my personal view is. What I will say, however, is that the point of EHS – the point of all of us, I hope – is to secure an improvement over the next few years in the conservation status, if you will, of the environment and heritage. And any change in environmental governance here must be predicated upon the argument that that objective can be achieved more effectively than at present. I see no point otherwise in changing the system so fundamentally.’ Ten years on from the IRA’s initial ceasefire, Northern Ireland has changed almost beyond recognition. The watchtowers and army checkpoints have gone from the streets of Derry. A new prosperity is evident almost everywhere, with new landscaping schemes, shopping centres, new public art (much of it commemorating peace initiatives) and riverside walks. However, flags, painted kerbstones, the sectarian murals, and the occasional graffiti serve as reminders of the underlying tensions within some communities. Things are clearly looking up, but everyone needs to work together to build on what has already been achieved, not only in society generally, but also in the historic built environment. Christ Church, Belfast, before and after conservation by the Belfast Buildings Preservation Trust (Photo: Kevin Baird, HLF) it is delivering different agendas effectively and that it is slowly building recognition from local councils and government departments of the wider regeneration benefits a THI can bring. He finds that the community-based projects which the HLF supports are extremely robust in terms of their delivery and longer term viability. They have generally been developed from the bottom up and consequently have strong foundations leading to longterm sustainability. However, Baird remains concerned that these partnerships still have to struggle with weak and inconsistent conservation area management.
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