Swaffham - A Historic Market Town

April 2024 saw the launch of the Swaffham - A Historic Market Town programme.

Breckland Council, along with its partners, look forward to building on the success of the High Street Heritage Action Zone, using heritage as a vehicle to regenerate and maximise the potential of Swaffham. Funding from the project is coming from Breckland District Council, Historic England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Swaffham Town Council and Norfolk and Norwich Festivals.

The project derives from the development of the Future Breckland Vision, which saw 18 months of concerted community engagement alongside rigorous data collection and analysis. The project will support the delivery of  the Future Breckland priorities set out in the Swaffham Town Delivery plan.  

The High Street Heritage Action Zone delivered repairs to the Assembly Rooms and Jewellery Unique, along with new heritage shop fronts for Tutankhamun's and Mr Chips. It also delivered new trees, planting, bus shelters and cycle stands along with a Conservation Area Appraisal and the Swaffham Masterplan Enhancement Scheme. To read these documents, click the links below:

• Conservation Area Appraisal
• Masterplan Enhancement Scheme (PDF) [8MB] (opens new window)

The Swaffham - A Historic Market Town programme project will build on those successes and includes a continuation of the community grants scheme. The initiative aims to restore and revitalize 9-12 historic buildings within the Swaffham conservation area, breathing new life into the heart of the town. The  Building Improvement Grant scheme will empower more local businesses to reclaim key historical features, ensuring that Swaffham's high street remains a source of pride for generations to come. Please see map below for the area eligible for larger grants. Please submit an Expression of Interest (link below) to submit an application.

Submit an Expression of Interest for a grant in Swaffham

The Shop front Repair and Redecoration grant scheme for smaller works is open until the 6th December 2024 in Swaffham. This is for works up to £5000 and can include small scale repairs and traditional signage. For more information about the grant criteria and an application form, please visit the Swaffham Town Council website.

Further public realm design works will focus on creating a greener, safer, and more appealing space for residents and visitors alike. Through careful consultation and planning, the project aims to foster a sense of community ownership. The public realm design works will work to develop the Swaffham Masterplan Enhancement Scheme. 

The project will also deliver vital community engagement and training initiatives. These programmes, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, will provide essential skills and education to building owners, landlords, and young people in the building trade. By nurturing a deeper connection to Swaffham's rich history and heritage, these initiatives will ensure that the project's impact extends far beyond the physical realm. There will be a particular focus on young people and part of this project will delivered in partnership with Norfolk and Norwich Festivals. 

To find out more about the work of our partners, please visit - 

• Historic England (opens new window)
• National Lottery Heritage Fund (opens new window)
• Swaffham Town Council (opens new window)
• N&N Festival (opens new window) 

To find out more about the history of Swaffham and the Marketplace please visit Swaffham Heritage (opens new window).