Proposed as a cross between a ‘one stop shop’ and a centre of excellence the Heritage Information Exchange is intended to offer a comprehensive range of advice and information on the repair and restoration of historic buildings, gardens and landscapes. Customers are expected to include building owner/occupiers, specifiers, conservation organisations, local authorities, central government and the manufacturing and service base of the construction industry.

Following a feasibility study by Poole Associates for the Building Conservation Centre Trust, who will run the Exchange, it was found that most of those responsible for conserving historic properties are interested in doing it correctly but have difficulty finding out what to do. Consequently it is intended that the virtual Exchange will provide information from a database of manufacturers and suppliers of products and materials, sources of specialist conservation topics, information on courses, seminars, lectures and an on-line specialist bookshop. Referred to as ‘virtual’ because access initially is expected to be principally by email, Internet, telephone, fax and post so it will not be restricted by location.

Based on the study a business plan has been prepared, audited by leading accountants and a prospectus produced which is being used to enlist support of the Government, leading conservation bodies and the industry. Applications for partnership funding have been made to potential sponsors and the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions have approved a grant of £350,000. Information gathering for the database is in progress and the website with database and online bookshop is proposed to be available from Spring this year with the main launch of the Exchange planned for the Autumn.