Agenda item

Presentation by the Heritage Action Zone Project Manager

The Heritage Action Zone Project Manager provided Members with a presentation on the Heritage Action Zone (HAZ), with Members advised that Heritage Action Zones were historic places that had the potential to become focal points for regeneration, areas with untapped potential, rich in industrial, rural, cultural or faith heritage, or areas that may be undervalued and underused, or under significant pressure.

Members were informed of the aims of the S&DR Heritage Action Zone 2018-2023, with progress against the agreed programme outputs developed in 2018 being reported on. The progress against the overarching HAZ programme themes of Research; Protection, Management and Conservation; Heritage At Risk; Community Engagement and Heritage Crime; and Wider Programme and Legacy Projects, was also reported on.

The Heritage Action Zone Project Manager summarised that the purpose of the HAZ was to improve the management and conservation of the heritage of the S&DR to protect its long-term future; to target economic growth through the development of a world-class visitor attraction, including the physical regeneration of key sites, infrastructure and digital access along the 26-mile route; deliver a world-renowned festival to celebrate the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 2025, significantly increasing visitors to the region and engendering community pride across the 26 miles; and to increase knowledge and awareness of the Stockton and Darlington Railway and its significance, and provide opportunities for volunteering, skills development, employment and health improvements.

Members entered into discussion on the work that could be undertaken to protect the Arnold Road bridge; how the promotion of ‘Hopetown’ would be woven into the communications for the S&DR200 Festival; whether there was sufficient funding available to cover the S&DR200 Festival and related activity; whether any work was being undertaken in relation to the Borough’s twin towns; and the future intentions as regard linking the entire length of the original S&DR line, with Members informed that funding continues to be sought to deliver a continuous walking and cycling route, however this is a longer term ambition.

RESOLVED – That the content of the presentation be noted.