The Commonwealth Heritage Forum

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II PLATINUM JUBILEE
COMMONWEALTH HERITAGE SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMME

In May 2022, the Commonwealth Heritage Forum launched the largest ever Commonwealth heritage programme - The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Commonwealth Heritage Skills Training Programme - generously funded by the Hamish Ogston Foundation, which has made £4.5 million available over 5 years to support training in heritage skills across the Commonwealth. Read more
HERITAGE AT RISK AND CLIMATE CHANGE
The conservation of historic buildings has a crucial role to play in the battle against climate change. The CHF is preparing a list of shared heritage buildings and structures in urgent need of creative solutions to help host countries explore opportunities for their future. Read more
FORMER GOVERNMENT HOUSE AND PARK, BARRACKPORE, INDIA
Even in the most challenging situations where historic buildings of national significance lie neglected and dilapidated, with vision and determination they can be repaired and restored for new generations to enjoy. At Barrackpore outside Kolkata the Police Commissioner took decisive action. Conservation of the former Government House and its surrounding park has allowed a permanent exhibition and visitor trail to be created. Read more
THINK CITY, GEORGE TOWN, PENANG, MALAYSIA
Think City is driving new thinking about urban renewal in Malaysia, It has completed over 270 projects in place-making, arts, heritage and culture. By understanding context and engaging fully with local communities, it has transformed Georgetown into one of the most exciting examples of community-led regeneration in the Commonwealth, and conserved one of the best historic trading cities in the world. Read more
CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL, STONE TOWN, ZANZIBAR
Inspirational conservation projects can provide training, skills and jobs while helping local people understand their own shared history fostering tolerance and diversity. Using a local workforce, the cathedral has been restored and adapted to form a Heritage and Education Centre to explain the story behind the abolition of the East African slave trade. Read more
GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ST JOHN’S ANTIGUA
An enlightened conservation project is underway to repair and restore Government House at the heart of the historic precinct of St John’s. Alongside the official residence of the head of state, it will become the national focus for celebrating Antigua’s rich architectural heritage offering public access for all to a gallery, exhibition, cafe and teaching space for education and training. Read more

The Commonwealth Heritage Forum is an innovative new membership organisation open to all those interested in sharing in the conservation of the built heritage of the Commonwealth. We welcome membership from individuals, heritage bodies and trusts, professional practitioners and academic institutions.

The Forum subscribes to the principles and core values of the Commonwealth while working with partners to raise awareness through education and improving livelihoods by sharing skills and expertise. It has an important role to play in meeting certain Sustainable Development Goals in particular, SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 13 Climate Action. By reusing and adapting the legacy of the past to meet 21st century requirements, best use can be made of the embodied energy which buildings contain reducing the carbon footprint of new development while revitalising historic neighbourhoods and existing communities. The creation of buildings and settings, by architects, engineers and craftsmen from myriad cultures generated a fusion of architectural traditions across the Commonwealth that are united in their diversity and creativity. This is a heritage shared by the whole Commonwealth.

Our interests embrace all aspects of our shared built environment from industrial archaeology to the conservation of historic buildings, areas, structures and man-made landscapes of all periods.

Some of the shared built heritage of the Commonwealth is a significant component of the infrastructure of many countries. In many places this is highly valued, but sometimes it is contested and its cultural value questioned. The Forum believes that by inviting individuals and organisations in Commonwealth countries to connect, there is scope for multiple narratives and for sharing perceptions, knowledge and experience to promote understanding and respect for the cultural sensitivities of all its peoples.

The Forum has the potential to draw together many widely-dispersed organisations and individuals. By sharing expertise, best practice and common solutions to common problems, we can help each other recognise opportunities for conservation-led regeneration, sustainable economic growth, skills development, training and youth programmes.

We publish regular online newsletters containing news, information and articles on subjects of common interest.

We publish an annual journal of longer, in-depth articles on all aspects of shared heritage from case studies to technical solutions to common problems.

We hold annual conferences to include site visits, lectures, seminars and presentations to share expertise and knowledge.

We are collating a list of shared heritage buildings and structures at risk to help find creative solutions for their adaptation to beneficial new uses.

We manage the largest ever Commonwealth heritage project - the £ 4.5 million Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Commonwealth Heritage Skills Training Programme funded by the Hamish Ogston Foundation.