APPENDIX 1
Heritage Lottery Fund
Middlesbrough’s Prospectus: 2007 / 2009
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APPENDIX 1
CONTENTS
Page No.
Heritage Lottery Fund & Middlesbrough 2007 / 2009 3
A Short History of Middlesbrough 4
Heritage Lottery Fund – Overview 5
Heritage Lottery Themes 6
Middlesbrough’s Proposals
Heritage Grants A) Central Library 8 B) British Steel Archive 9 C) Transporter Bridge 10 D) Middlesbrough Town Hall 11 E) Old Town Hall and Custom House 12 F) Dock Clock Tower 13 G) Captain Cook Birthplace Museum 14
Parks for People H) Stewart Park 16 I) Newham Grange Leisure Farm 17 J) Acklam Hall and The Avenue 18
Your Heritage Grants K) Reference Library 20 L) St. Cuthbert’s Churchyard 21 M) Dorman Museum 22 N) Brian Clough Memorial Statue 23
Landscape Partnerships O) Church of St. Columba’s 25
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APPENDIX 1
The Heritage Lottery Fund and Middlesbrough 2007 / 2009
Introduction (Cllr David Budd, Executive Member for Economic Regeneration and Culture)
1. You have only to look around Middlesbrough to see that it is changing. Regeneration is underway to modernise the town’s shopping, commercial, educational and cultural facilities. Middlesbrough has moved on from its traditional dependence on heavy industries and is forging a new future as a culturally diverse, economically vibrant town at the heart of the Tees Valley.
2. As part of this transformation it is critical that the town builds on its heritage. This will entail bringing many of the oldest assets back to life in new and exciting ways. The world famous Transporter Bridge will act as the gateway tourist attraction for the Middlehaven development, with the Town Hall becoming a first-class performance venue and the Carnegie Library extended to incorporate a unique and inspiring archive research and education centre.
3. The vision for Middlesbrough places these historic assets at the centre of an ambitious re- configuration and expansion of cultural, social and civic facilities. The plans will promote access, understanding and involvement with the town’s heritage. They will also create high quality, accessible facilities relevant to modern urban life.
4. Middlesbrough’s vision is for heritage to be at the heart of progressive change. A series of multi-million pound investments in iconic sites and buildings (such as mima) alongside significant improvements to the public realm of Middlesbrough is at the heart of the town’s programme for regeneration. As part of this renaissance, the vision is to allow the transition of our historic buildings from the past to the present and ensure their pivotal role in town centre regeneration.
5. As part of this programme it is recognised that there is a need to involve all sections of the public in the work, particularly partner organisations in the community and the voluntary sector that have been actively involved in the production of this document, with specific emphasis on the small heritage projects that make such a difference to grassroots groups.
6. This brochure captures simply the future aspirations of the town relating to heritage. It sets out the key projects and a timetable for action.
7. The brochure is intended as work in progress, and will updated and reviewed on a bi- annual basis.
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APPENDIX 1
A Short History of Middlesbrough
8. At the turn of the 19th century Middlesbrough was still a tiny farming hamlet of some 25 souls. Its phenomenal expansion (current population around 137,500) owes everything to the Industrial Revolution, which brought prosperity to many and transformed a rural landscape into one of the greatest concentrations of industry to be found anywhere in Britain.
9. The beginning of change was in itself modest enough. In 1829 a group of Quaker businessmen led by Joseph Pease started to develop ‘Port Darlington’ on the banks of the Tees near the original farmstead estate and a town grew up to service the flourishing coal trade. Within a year the Stockton & Darlington Railway had been extended to the new port and by 1851 its population had already reached 7,600.
10. New staithes, wharves and workshops were constructed. Foundries, warehouses, dwelling houses and churches sprang up, bringing to fruition Joseph Pease’s prophecy that one day ‘the bare fields will be covered with a busy multitude’.
11. In the mid-1850s, following a discovery by John Vaughan of substantial ironstone deposits in the nearby Eston Hills, pig iron production soon outgrew coal as Middlesbrough’s principle industry. Vaughan had a German business partner by the name of Henry Bolckow and together they established Teesside’s first blast furnace in 1851. Britain’s appetite for iron was insatiable and soon Middlesbrough was responsible for producing almost a third of the entire nation’s supply. Such was the respect and gratitude for Bolckow’s pioneering enterprise that he was elected Mayor of Middlesbrough in 1853 and 15 years later became the town’s first Member of Parliament.
12. The iron industry went from strength to strength, drawing in workers from far afield and creating employment for those supplying ancillary goods and services. At the dawn of the twentieth century, with a modern history no longer than 75 years, Middlesbrough had swelled to a population of 90,000.
13. Today, by virtue of its administrative, commercial and cultural activities, Middlesbrough fulfils a role as the main commercial centre for the Tees Valley City Region. This is not to say that its earlier prosperity has been maintained. Heavy industries, which sustained communities here over many decades, have been run down and unemployment is well above the national average.
14. Despite this shrinkage in its traditional industrial base, Middlesbrough has in place an ambitious programme for urban regeneration. Major retail outlets and high-tech business parks both feature in the area’s strategy for creating jobs and wealth through diversification. The University of Teesside has been the leading English modern university for graduate employment and/or graduate-level further study or training for the previous three years. The institution has helped to nurture 70 graduate-run businesses on its Middlesbrough campus and created 150 jobs since 2000.
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APPENDIX 1
Heritage Lottery Fund - Overview
15. Heritage has been defined as many different things that have been, and can be, passed on from one generation to another. These things range from historic buildings, habitats or landscapes to historical archives and even oral traditions. The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) was established to provide a range of targeted grants developed to enhance and conserve the diverse heritage of Britain.
16. In summary, the HLF aims to:
a. safeguard and enhance the heritage of buildings, objects and the environment, whether man-made or natural, which have been important in the formation of the character and identity of the United Kingdom; b. assist people to appreciate and enjoy their heritage; and, c. maintain opportunities for access and enjoyment by future generations.
17. The HLF draws its resources from National Lottery revenues under the ‘Good Causes’ umbrella. The financial support is then reallocated throughout the UK on projects and initiatives directly associated with heritage of local, regional and national significance.
18. The North East currently receives £6million out of a £200-300million annual Heritage Lottery Fund budget nationally. Grants are approved by regional committee and a maximum of £2million can be allocated (between all projects) at any one sitting of the committee.
19. A declining Heritage Lottery budget means that the North East Regional Board is promoting bids from smaller projects to stretch the impact further. £250,000 is currently the indicative maximum that might be awarded to any one project by the Regional Board whilst the National Board will deal with projects requiring over £2million. Negotiation between the local and national board would be required between these amounts.
20. Matched funding requirements are also a consideration:
a. projects costing less than £1 million, matched funding of 10% is necessary; and, b. projects £1 million and over the matched funding requirement is 25%.
21. With a decline in Heritage Lottery funding, each bid must be of the highest quality as competition for resources increases. Projects must demonstrate their suitability and understanding of and a direct link with local/national and heritage.
22. Consequently, there is a need to ensure that the Council adopts a strategic approach to future HLF applications. This will ensure that access to these resources is concentrated on the highest priority areas.
23. A number of issues will need to be considered when developing a strategic approach to HLF projects, they include:
a. proposed developments; b. potential estimated overall costs, financial deliverability and viability of each project; c. potential phasing of the programme; and, d. levels of matched funding required, potential sources and availability.
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APPENDIX 1
Heritage Lottery Themes
The Heritage Lottery Fund breaks down into seven different themes as follows:
24. Heritage Grants With the aim to promote conservation of, access to and involvement in all types of heritage. This includes historic buildings, records and collections held in museums, archives and special libraries, photographic collections, oral history, language projects, industrial, maritime and transport proposals.
25. Your Heritage Grants A simplified application process for schemes requesting less than £50,000 but still addressing the underlying priorities of conserving heritage, encouraging community involvement and increasing opportunities for learning.
26. Parks for People Focusing on public parks in the UK through the creation of new opportunities for communities to learn about and enjoy the local environment, alongside improving parks and making them safer.
27. Landscape Partnerships Supports schemes led by local or regional partnerships that aim to conserve landscape areas of distinct local character. These can include historic built structures, features related to farming and the protection or expansion of traditional habitats.
28. Young Roots Schemes should increase opportunities for young people (aged 13 to 20 years) to learn about heritage and widen participation/appreciation of heritage, including cultural and local traditions and historic buildings.
29. Townscape Heritage Initiative Support for schemes that aim to regenerate the historic environment in towns and cities. Eligible activities include structural and external repair of historic buildings that are still in use, or the repair/conversion for new uses of empty historic buildings.
30. Repair Grants for Places of Worship in England Support for urgent high-level repair work to the historic fabric of places of worship in England listed grade I, II* or II. Administered by English Heritage in partnership with HLF.
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HERITAGE GRANTS
A: Central Library Page 8
B: British Steel Archive Page 9
C: Transporter Bridge Page 10
D: Middlesbrough Town Hall Page 11
E: Old Town Hall and Custom House Page 12
F: Dock Clock Tower Page 13
G: Captain Cook Birthplace Museum Page 14
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APPENDIX 1 A: Central Library
31. Middlesbrough’s Central Library building is an important example of an early twentieth century library design. Its historical links to Andrew Carnegie are of particular importance. It is the central library for the Tees Valley region.
32. The architectural significance of the building is recognised in its Grade 2 listed status. The external appearance of the main facade is of a high quality, worthy of an important civic building. Equally, the interior has some fine qualities, particularly the first floor reference library which retains all the original oak shelving and tables.
33. The Reference Library owns the internationally renowned Kelly Collection of religious tracts. It also houses a major local studies resource - the Cleveland Collection.
Aspirations
34. When Mayor Ray Mallon, articulated his vision for Middlesbrough in May 2002 he spoke of the desire to create ‘a thriving, designer-label town where people want to live, work, play and invest’.
35. Buildings such as the Library are key to Middlesbrough’s ambition to have a city-scale centre. Revitalised older buildings can be at the heart of regeneration and Middlesbrough’s relative youth as a town highlights the need to maximise the benefit of these older cultural assets.
36. As part of Middlesbrough’s aspiration for regeneration, the further development of its cultural quarter is critical to providing the assets appropriate to the Tees Valley City Region overall. The quarter is centred on the new mima art gallery and public square. This proposal would be to build an extension onto the Carnegie building to house the Teesside Archives - the archive collections for the four Tees Valley boroughs, and the Kelly Collection. As part of this, there would be a drive to promote the education and interpretation of the archive material to future generations through interactive and engaging formats, using the latest multimedia technology.
37. An extension would also provide a new entrance onto the public square - facing the Town Hall and adjacent to mima, whilst retaining the historic entrance. There would be potential to take advantage of external views to the new public spaces not afforded by the high windows of the listed building and to take advantage of links to the new mima. Demolition of terraced housing adjacent to the building has left a scar to this elevation that detracts from the building and the setting of the square and an extension that wraped around the building to the north would mitigate this.
38. The vision places the Library at the centre of an ambitious re-configuration and expansion of cultural, social and civic facilities. The plans will promote access, understanding and involvement with the historical collections within this building and would create high-quality, accessible facilities relevant to modern urban life.
39. It is hoped to renew the Library buildings and restore their primary purpose as a symbol of civic pride and engagement, enriching the lives of not only Middlesbrough’s citizens but also those of the whole Tees Valley.
Applicant: Middlesbrough Council Implementation: January 2008 to July 2009 Grant Sought: £5m Heritage Grants, £2m match required Overall Scheme Cost: £7m 8
APPENDIX 1 B: British Steel Archive
40. Teesside Archive holds the records of the British Steel Corporation Teesside, an archive of regional, national and international significance. The collection brings together material from approximately 40 companies involved in iron and steel making in the Tees Valley since the 1850s. This is a unique record of the region’s proud industrial heritage and its central place in British history.
41. The archive currently occupies 600 linear feet of shelving and includes a substantial business archive of legal, financial and manufacturing records. In addition, the archive contains maps, plans and engineering drawings of sites and civil engineering projects such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Over 25,000 glass plate, slide and printed photographs offer a unique record of conditions in the works, employees, social events and a visual history of iron and steel works around Teesside, many of which have since been demolished.
42. The material is currently un-catalogued and much of it in need of conservation work before it can be made accessible to a wide range of potential users.
Aspirations
43. As iron and steel making is central to the history of Middlesbrough and the Tees Valley, the opening up of this archive to public use and understanding through a range of engagement activities will form a cornerstone of the plans for the cultural quarter.
44. The project aims to preserve, conserve and catalogue the collection to facilitate a major programme of access, engagement and interpretation activities. These include: a web portal with online catalogue and digital images of prominent documents; a major oral history project focusing on both workplace experience (with the Teesside Industrial Memories project) and the influence of iron and steel on family and community life; and an educational project linking the working men’s clubs, the trade union and the Community to bring the history of iron and steel to schools, colleges and community groups.
45. It is intended to involve these networks in the cataloguing process through interactive sessions with community groups at the archive its self and online, with a focus on the interpretation of visual material within the catalogue.
46. The project will enhance the profile of Teesside Archives and Middlesbrough as a key national and international repository of archives. It is expected that the project will attract increased numbers of real and virtual visitors to the archive and provide a central plank for the plans to build a new archive extension for the Library.
Applicant: University of Teesside Implementation: September 2007 to March 2010
Grant Sought: £300,000 Heritage Grant, £600,000 match required Overall Scheme Cost: £900,000
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APPENDIX 1 C: Transporter Bridge
47. The Transporter Bridge has been symbolic of the Tees Valley sub-region since its inception in 1911. The largest of three remaining bridges of its type in Britain, the structure dominates the landscape towering 200ft above the River Tees. Although approaching its centenary, the Grade 2* listed Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge remains fully operational and continues to provide a regular service between Middlesbrough and Port Clarence.
48. The Bridge is of international, national and local significance and is now only one of eight working bridges of this type worldwide. In the UK there are only two remaining working bridges at Middlesbrough and Newport (Gwent).
49. In 1993, the bridge was awarded the ‘Heritage Plaque’ for engineering excellence, the highest honour of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, which was awarded in recognition of the Council’s efforts in keeping the bridge in good working order. Similar accolades came with the bridge’s classification as a Grade 2* Listed Building in 1985.
50. The Transporter Bridge also boasts a modest visitor centre that incorporates multimedia facilities, interactive displays and historical materials commemorating Middlesbrough's industrial heritage.
51. The bridge is jointly owned by Middlesbrough and Stockton-on-Tees Councils, however Middlesbrough has the sole responsibility for the day-to-day running and maintenance of the bridge.
Aspirations
52. As the Transporter Bridge looks to celebrate its centenary in 2011, the intention is to transform the heritage experience, creating a major regional tourist destination that would attract visitors from across the globe.
53. The installation of glass lifts will allow visitors to travel to the top of the Transporter Bridge, the tallest structure of its type in the world. This would provide stunning views across the Tees Valley and beyond, and a bird’s eye view of the former industrial heart of the region.
54. The gangway across the top of the Transporter is currently closed to visitors. Opening this up would allow visitors to retrace the footsteps of the former workforce, who crossed the top of the Transporter each day on their journey to forges and foundries.
55. On-site interpretation would be vastly improved. This would include visits to the Bridgemasters Cottage (which still has all the original fixtures, fittings and timbers) and the Winch House (to observe the mechanics and operation of the bridge at close quarters). Actors in traditional costume would be used, bringing the old dockyard back to life and creating an authentic sense of atmosphere.
Applicant: Middlesbrough Council Implementation: July 2009 – July 2011
Grant Sought: £1.275m Heritage Grants, £950k Transport Plan, Single Programme £425,000 Overall Scheme Cost: £2.65m **
** Implementation of this scheme could have significant revenue implications for the authority from 2011/12.
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D: Middlesbrough Town Hall
56. At the heart of Middlesbrough Town Centre, this historic Victorian building was officially opened by Edward, Prince of Wales (the later King Edward VII) and the Princess of Wales in 1889. This Grade 2* listed building still retains many of its original features. Since its earliest days, the Town Hall has been the home of entertainment in the Tees Valley and beyond. Many famous names have appeared and the Town Hall continues to host a range of big name entertainments.
57. The Town Hall is a large complex comprising a variety of spaces used for civic function and meeting spaces, Council offices, performance venues and more. It is already an important centre for cultural activity with the town and the wider sub-region.
58. The facility has a Victorian concert hall which still contains the original organ built in 1898 and has a seating capacity of 1190. It is regarded as one of the finest performing venues in the North. The Crypt located beneath the main concert hall is a spacious arena boasting capacity for up to 600 people.
Aspirations
59. At the heart of the Cultural Quarter (see paragraph 36 for further details) and civic square Middlesbrough has an aspiration to enhance and further develop the Town Hall as a regional centre of cultural and creative opportunity. This will comprise of a programme that will entail examining new opportunities for the development of cultural activities within a refurbished and restored building. Any scheme will need to preserve the charm and character of this strategically important building.
60. It is proposed to use Heritage Lottery Funding to implement a programme of refurbishment and restoration of the key historical and architectural features, preserving the original structure through sympathetic interpretation.
61. The Town Hall represents a cultural and historical asset to the Tees Valley overall. The possibility of developing this asset alongside the provision of mima (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art) could create a unique cultural quarter that would be unsurpassed in other towns.
62. The involvement of Heritage Lottery funding at this critical stage is vital, and would kick- start a far larger scheme, bringing currently unused and neglected space back to life.
Applicant: Middlesbrough Council Implementation: April 2008 - July 2011
Grant Sought: £2.5m Heritage Grants, £2.67m Single Programme, £2m match required Overall Scheme Cost: £7.17m
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APPENDIX 1
E: Old Town Hall and Custom House
63. The first Town Hall in Middlesbrough was built in 1846 north of the railway station and remained in use until 1889. Situated at the centre of the original town grid, this Grade 2 historic building links Middlesbrough with the birth of its industrial heritage and the progressions made by the town’s founding fathers. The Hall represents a stunning piece of nineteenth-century architecture currently in sad decline.
64. The Custom House is a Grade 2 listed building dating from 1837 and designed by G. Burlison of Darlington in Greek revival style. It is a two-storey building of brick faced on its north and east sides with sandstone ashlar and a Welsh slate roof. Later extensions, together with two former cottages, form a courtyard to the rear of the building. Originally built as a Coal Exchange and hotel, the building was acquired by the Council in 1853.
65. The buildings are of great historic and architectural interest for the town, being some of the few remaining institutional buildings reflecting the early period of Middlesbrough’s growth. A significant amount of original architectural features remain within the buildings such as architraves, mouldings, skirting boards, window shutters, surrounds and frames.
Aspirations
66. The whole area surrounding the original Town Hall and Custom House has suffered significant dilapidation. With rapid redevelopment taking place in the area it is felt that these symbolic and architecturally significant buildings would be a suitable focal point to link Middlesbrough’s past with its future.
67. The location of the buildings becomes more significant when taken within the context of the wider Middlehaven initiative. This presents a need and opportunity to secure the future of these buildings before their state of disrepair reduces the viability of any restorative works.
68. The now vacant buildings could potentially become a valuable asset in future years. Currently there are no specific long-term uses identified. It will be necessary to undertake feasibility work to ascertain suitable new uses, although there has been some external interest expressed in the Custom House by a range of organisations.
69. A condition report in 2003 identified the need for structural repairs to prevent water ingress. The report also highlighted essential works and broad cost estimates. A conservation- driven feasibility study will provide detailed costs, a scheduled programme of appropriate repairs, identify a viable and appropriate end use for the buildings and look at any funding and delivery issues that need consideration.
Applicant: Middlesbrough Council Implementation: August 2008 - February 2010
Grant Sought: £1.25m Heritage Grants, £100k Architectural Heritage Fund, £250k match required Overall Scheme Cost: £1.6m
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APPENDIX 1 F: Dock Clock Tower
70. A distinctive feature of the Middlesbrough landscape, this Grade 2* listed building is both a Water and Clock Tower, circa 1870, believed to have been designed by Philip Webb. The structure was originally used for water accumulators or reservoirs in order to maintain hydraulic pressure to dockside cranes and gates. It was also used as a navigational aid on the River Tees. Although recent work to the exterior of the building has been undertaken the interior still remains in a somewhat dilapidated condition.
Aspirations
71. The Clock Tower is within the Middlehaven site, which is subject to a major regeneration programme being developed by the Urban Regeneration Company, Tees Valley Regeneration. The aim would be to conserve the monument and retain it as a working feature or landmark building within Middlehaven. By retaining the Clock Tower, and other historic buildings in the area, it will be important to design associated activities to widen knowledge and understanding their heritage value to new audiences. It is hoped that a private sector developer can be persuaded to incorporate the Clock Tower within their proposals.
72. Machinery and buildings such as this one contain a vital record of engineering and achievement. While conserving our industrial heritage is challenging and sometimes costly, every effort must be made to restore the Dock Clock Tower. The key to understanding an industrial site such as this one is to see the actual process in action, to enable the public to witness the workings and mechanics of the Dock Clock at close quarters.
73. In doing so the overall result would be to conserve and open up the heritage for the benefit of schools and the general public. This is an immensely popular local landmark, and many local people would passionately support its preservation, both as volunteers and visitors. A Friends of the Dock Clock Tower Group is likely to be established in the imminent future to take these proposals forward.
74. The proposal would also complement and be incorporated within the adjoining Middlehaven developments.
Applicant: English Partnerships Implementation: August 2007 – October 2008
Grant Sought: £250k Heritage Grant Overall Scheme Cost: £250k
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APPENDIX 1
G: Captain Cook Birthplace Museum
75. The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum opened in 1978 close to the site of the birthplace cottage and tells the story of the life and times of the world’s greatest maritime explorer and navigator. The main displays deal with Cook’s early life, as well as his great voyages, and are supplemented by a changing programme of related temporary exhibitions and associated educational programmes, activities and events. The Museum has recently attracted support for the production of a website, authored in association with the British Library and loans from regional, national and international museums. Its Resolution Resources Room is a major centre for the study of Cook.
Aspirations 76. The proposal forms part of the wider aspiration for Stewart Park (see project G). It is broken into two distinct elements for which applications would be made through both the Main and Your Heritage Grants.
Major Redevelopment & Display (1) 77. The museum is now due for a major revamp after its last redisplay in 1997-98. It is anticipated that this would consist of a complete redisplay of the ‘permanent’ galleries, with particular emphasis of Cook’s early life in the Tees Valley and his three main voyages. This could be achieved either within the current museum building or include the expansion of the facility in association with proposed redevelopments in Stewart Park to include: new shared visitor facilities (reception, shop, catering, toilets, meeting rooms, education suite, etc); a viewing tower; conservatory/display; and reconstruction of part of East Marton village in the 18th century. The project would make the Museum the major centre for the study and interpretation of Cook and exploration in the region as well as an even greater attraction in Stewart Park.
78. It is also intended to create an iconic landmark Conservatory extension to the Museum, which would provide a superb educational centre that could hold the plants that Joseph Banks discovered and recorded on Captain Cook’s journeys. The building would be at the cutting edge of technology and be a place to demonstrate energy conservation. It would allow some important botanical collections to be reinstated after a previously much loved Palm House on the same site fell into ruin some years ago.
Creation of an Online Captain Cook Study Resource (2) 79. The creation of a Cook collection database, of materials held in collections worldwide, making the information available over the internet would assist students and researchers in their study of Cook. Up to 1970 the Captain Cook Bibliography provided a published listing of 4500 Cook items in southern hemisphere collections. This work would add material discovered since 1970 and also include major items from northern hemisphere collections. An on-line resource would help to make the Museum a major contributor to the study of Cook and enhance potential use and visits.
(1) Applicant: Middlesbrough Council Implementation: January 2009 onwards (in association with the Stewart Park scheme). Grant Sought: £4m Heritage Grant, £1m match required Overall Scheme Cost: £5m **
(2) Applicant: Middlesbrough Council Implementation: September 2007 – September 2010 Grant Sought: £50k Your Heritage Grants, £20k Charitable Trusts Overall Scheme Cost: £70k **
** Implementation of these schemes could have revenue implications for the authority from 2008/09. 14
APPENDIX 1
PARKS FOR PEOPLE
H: Stewart Park Page 16
I: Newham Grange Leisure Farm Page 17
J: Acklam Hall and the Avenue Page 18
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APPENDIX 1 H: Stewart Park
80. Stewart Park is one of the oldest and most historic parks in the North East of England. Set in the former grounds of Marton Hall, it boasts animal enclosures, quiet walks, woodland glades, lakes and wildlife. It is home to the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum and also the site of the cottage where Captain James Cook was born. The park was accredited with the "Green Flag Park Award " by the Civic Trust in 2002. 81. The park as it is known today was landscaped by Major Rudd, a local landowner and then Henry Bolckow, one of Middlesbrough's ironmasters and the borough's first mayor. He also arranged the construction of Marton Hall built in the centre of the park in 1858. Councillor Thomas D Stewart gave the park to the people of Middlesbrough in 1928 and he intended it to be "a public possession, open and accessible to all the people for all time".
Aspirations
82. The overall aim is to enable the public to ‘notice the difference’, reconfirming the focus of Stewart Park as the horticultural heart of Middlesbrough and revealing its beauty to a wider audience through restoring historic landscapes and bringing redundant and under-utilised buildings back into use. In addition, the creation of new features and facilities will involve children and young people, and generally increase access.
83. It is intended to redevelop the park in a two-stage process, firstly through establishing a Centre of Excellence for Horticulture and landbased training for the Tees Valley region. This initiative would bring redundant Grade 2 listed estate buildings back into use, incorporating land-based training through the introduction of Modern Apprenticeships. There may also be the opportunity for adults with learning and mental health difficulties to have a social enterprise base open to the public.
84. Secondly, the historic parkland and some of the Victorian estate buildings will be restored and enhanced for public use. Winter and wildlife gardens would be a key feature of the restoration, building on the biodiversity theme, while a Captain Cook adventure play area would help to attract more families and children.
85. Investigations are also ongoing into the possibility of heating the existing buildings with a renewable energy source, using wood chip and solar panel technology.
86. Perhaps the most eye-catching feature of the proposed redevelopment will be the introduction of Modern Apprenticeships to meet skill shortages in built heritage. This educational element will make the project stand out and offer something over and above that of other park restoration projects - something unique and of national interest.
Applicant: Middlesbrough Council Implementation: August 2009 – July 2014
Grant Sought: £4.5m Parks for People, £1.5m match required Overall Scheme Cost: £6m **
** There would be significant revenue implications for the authority from 2014/15.
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APPENDIX 1
I: Newham Grange Leisure Farm
87. Newham Grange Leisure Farm is one of the most historic working farms in the North East. It is the only Rare Breeds Farm in the region and is a Rare Breeds Survival Trust Conservation Centre. Animals include: Shire Horses, British White and Beef Shorthorn Cattle, White Faced Woodland and Wensleydale Sheep, Gloucester Old Spot, Berkshire, Middle White and British Saddleback pigs and rare breed poultry.
88. The farm is of local historical importance with well-documented farming practices dating back to 1580. It is open all year round with special events throughout the school holidays. It is well visited by school groups and Sure Start groups and is often the first and only experience of rural life for urban children. Askham Bryan and Middlesbrough College use the farm for animal care courses.
Aspirations
89. The intention is to create a superb heritage and agricultural interpretation centre with a strong educational element, which could become a regional centre for agriculturally based activities. There may also be an opportunity to erect a wind turbine, on the site of the original windmill, to power the farm buildings and provide a visitor attraction, together with introducing a straw burning heating system to demonstrate an alternative form of renewable energy. A masterplan and public consultation have been produced with ideas that will increase the use of the farm all year round, particularly encouraging additional school visits.
90. As part of the interpretation experience the proposal is to renovate the original Georgian farmhouse as a museum - with an upstairs room for events and heritage education. It is intended that there will be practical demonstrations of traditional farm crafts - introducing young people to conservation and heritage skills, whilst the renovation works would involve young people, training them in traditional construction skills, such as the making of handmade bricks and Yorkshire sash windows. Members of the public would have the opportunity to learn and be trained in traditional skills such as ploughing, horse logging, brick making, hedge laying and bee keeping. Ultimately, the restored farm buildings would also act as a showcase for local arts and crafts people's work including the 70 strong Teesside Wood Turners.
91. In terms of animal husbandry, the centre would become a Suffolk Punch horse-breeding centre. One of the most seriously endangered species of horse in the world, people would be able to come and see them working in a traditional environment, making it the only place in Britain where they would be able to do so. The farm could also become the regional centre for smallholding and farmers’ markets.
Applicant: Middlesbrough Council Implementation: April 2007 - July 2009
Grant Sought: £600k Parks for People, £400k Landfill Tax Overall Scheme Cost: £1m **
** Implementation of this scheme could have revenue implications for the authority from 2009/10.
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APPENDIX 1
J: Acklam Hall & The Avenue
92. Acklam Hall is of great historical importance in the area and was mentioned in the Domesday survey (1086), which recorded the Acklam estate as being in the possession of Robert de Brus. The Hall was sold to Middlesbrough Corporation in 1928 for £11,500 and became Acklam Hall Grammar School, later becoming Middlesbrough College. The Hall is the town’s only Grade I listed building and remains one of the finest hidden treasures in the region.
93. The current Hall dates from the late 17th century and retains some of the best ornate ceilings of their type in the country. Other historic features in need of desperate restoration include walled gardens, a Victorian tree-lined avenue and the archaeology of a medieval village in the Hall grounds. The avenue has several magnificent specimens of trees that over the years have flourished but the landscape around them has been denuded.
Aspirations
94. With Middlesbrough College vacating the site by September 2008, the overall vision is for Acklam Hall to be brought back into economic re-use whilst simultaneously retaining its historic and architectural importance. This will ensure that a significant symbol of Middlesbrough’s early heritage is accessible to all by way of an economically viable, sustainable function.
95. As a Grade I listed building it is critical that the heritage value of the Hall is maintained. A Conservation Plan for the site has been completed and an assessment of the available options and marketing of the historic buildings and landscape is being reviewed. The plan will aim to establish a viable, long-term, conservation-led function upon Middlesbrough College’s vacation. All such plans would need to be in keeping with, and sympathetic to the superb heritage of the Hall. Similar successful models in the North East include Guisbrough Hall and Hardwick Hall Manor Hotel, where the restoration of an Elizabethan manor house goes hand-in-hand with the operation of a modern business venture.
96. Further management of the historic landscape, public access and preservation of the medieval archaeology contained within the grounds and landscape of the Hall would be welcomed by the active and motivated Acklam 2020 Heritage Group.
97. The Hall stands in extensive landscaped grounds, the centrepiece of which is the magnificent avenue stretching all the way from Acklam Road to the Hall itself. In Association with Acklam 2020, the Council wishes to restore this element of the landscape, taking into account tree management, re-instatement, boundary works, access improvements, signage and drainage.
Applicant: Middlesbrough Council Implementation: August 2008 - April 2011
Grant Sought: £3m Main Heritage Grants, £500k private developers Overall Scheme Cost: £3.5m
Applicant: Middlesbrough Council Implementation: July 2008 – June 2009
Grant Sought: £250k Parks for People, £50k landfill tax Overall Scheme Cost: £300k
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APPENDIX 1
YOUR HERITAGE GRANTS
K: Reference Library Page 20
L: St. Cuthbert’s Churchyard Page 21
M: Dorman Museum Page 22
N: Brian Clough Memorial Statue Page 23
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APPENDIX 1 K: Reference Library
98. Middlesbrough Reference Library contains the largest photographic collection in the Tees Valley, consisting of 10,000 historic local photographs of Middlesbrough and other towns and villages in Teesside.
99. The originals are under threat from manual handling and age and their contents must be preserved to satisfy current and future demands.
100. The Reference Library owns the Kelly Collection, 18,000 editions of religious commentaries from the 16th century onwards - originally part of the private library of William Kelly (1821– 1906), member of the Plymouth Brethren and biblical scholar. It also houses a major local studies resource, the Cleveland Collection, containing 20,000 items of published material, books, records, maps and newspapers concentrating on the history of Middlesbrough and Teesside.
Aspirations
101. This would be a wonderful opportunity to preserve an outstanding historical resource and draw it together for the first time electronically for audiences everywhere.
102. The intention is to carry through a programme of digitalisation and the subsequent mounting of results on the internet and therefore aim to ensure the survival and continued preservation of the photographs. Expanding public access to key assets of Middlesbrough’s heritage is the other important goal.
103. The Reference Library would work in partnership to undertake the work with the Tees Valley Single Point of Access website and its hub Tyne and Wear Museums, availing the Library service of their experience and participating in all their public face developments.
104. Practicalities of the project include the purchase of licences for the content management system to hold data and purchase necessary hardware for the scheme. It would be necessary to fund a member of staff for one year to carry out the digitisation work.
105. Overall benefits would be the survival of unique, original photographs of Middlesbrough, whilst at the same time ensuring that their contents, in electronic form, will continue to be available to present and future generations everywhere for learning, teaching and cultural enrichment.
Applicant: Middlesbrough Council Implementation: April 2008 - April 2009
Grant Sought: £50k Your Heritage Grants Overall Scheme Cost: £50k **
** Implementation of this scheme could have revenue implications for the authority from 2009/10.
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APPENDIX 1
L: St Cuthbert’s Churchyard
106. St. Cuthbert’s Church is located in Marton Village, and lies adjacent to the historic Stewart Park. Marton Village was also the birthplace of Captain James Cook, who was baptised in the church. The Church dates from around 1170AD. Both the Church building itself and the churchyard are closely linked to the history and heritage of the town of Middlesbrough.
107. The churchyard is the final resting place of HWF Bolckow and John Vaughan, along with the graves of other notable people who shaped this area into what it has become today. Bolckow and Vaughan were the two men who started the iron and steel industry in Middlesbrough that brought growth and prosperity to the whole area of Teesside. They were both Mayors of Middlesbrough and Henry Bolckow became the town’s first MP.
Aspirations
108. The proposal is to restore the churchyard into a site fitting the historical importance that it deserves. In doing so it also offers an excellent educational opportunity for local schools. There would be five key elements to the scheme:
Conservation and Restoration 109. The most important monuments, including the graves of Henry Bolckow and John Vaughan, require restoration. Some of the masonry will be replaced; a vault stabilised and other works undertaken to restore the graves to their original state.
Path Enhancements to Improve Access 110. All pathways will be assessed, with key paths repaired and the remainder cleared to provide safe access without compromising the mature feel of the cemetery.
Maintain Wildlife Interest 111. Although only small in area, the churchyard provides a quiet haven for wildlife, including a small rookery that adds significantly to the village-scape of Marton. Opportunities will be identified to include enhancements for nature conservation where possible. This may include some tree management work to ensure future tree cover in the churchyard and to reduce damage to significant monuments.
Interpretation and Education 112. Provide an on-site interpretation panel, leaflets and resources for use by schools and community organisations.
Mapping and Recording 113. All of the monuments will be photographed and mapped so that there is a permanent record of their locations.
Applicant: Middlesbrough Environment City Implementation: July 2007 - July 2008
Grant Sought: £50k Your Heritage Grants, £30k Landfill Tax Overall Scheme Cost: £80k
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APPENDIX 1
M: Dorman Museum
114. Established in 1904 the Dorman Museum houses some internationally renowned collections of anthropology and natural science. For example, the Museum holds some 65,000 mollusc specimens in its collections (ranging from tropical shells to land snails collected locally) from the middle of the 19th century up until recent times. These and other resources represent a huge body of information regarding environments across the world and specific sites around Teesside. Such collections form the basis for regular events and educational programmes at the Museum.
Aspirations
Extended School Provision 115. The museum is underused in the early evenings yet contains a wealth of resources that could be utilised by children after normal school hours (galleries, exhibitions, handling collections, computers). This project would provide after-school provision, three to four days per week at the museum, during term time. Funding could pay for an educational worker to liaise with parents and schools to develop a programme that ensures real learning benefits for children and carers/parents alike. It would also allow the development of additional learning resources for example, worksheets. It is anticipated that through implementation of the above there would be increased patronage and access to the heritage items and displays.
Documentation of Mollusc Collections 116. By documenting the collection and making the information available over the Internet the project would assist environmental scientists to assess global habitats. This is particularly important, as these habitats are often especially sensitive to global warming and pollution. The Mollusc Collection is visually stunning and the creation of an on-line resource would help to make better use of its interpretation and display potential within the museum.
Applicant: Middlesbrough Council Implementation: September 2007 – September 2008
Grant Sought: £50k Your Heritage Grants, £100k Charitable Trusts Overall Scheme Cost: £150k **
** Implementation of this scheme could have revenue implications for the authority from 2008/09.
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APPENDIX 1
M: Brian Clough Memorial Statue
117. Brian Clough was born in Middlesbrough in March 1935. The local football club took him on in May 1953 where he made his first team debut against Barnsley in September 1955. Playing for his hometown team he scored 204 goals in 222 games and in July 1961 he transferred to local rivals Sunderland where he added another 47 goals in just 52 games. Clough only won two international caps, which is little recognition for one of the outstanding players of his era.
118. Clough’s career was cut short in 1962 due to injury at the age of 27 and he turned to football management. His management skills at Hartlepool were recognised by Derby County who appointed him as manager in 1967. He went on to win the first and second division championships with the club and after a short spell in Brighton and Leeds, Clough took over Nottingham Forest in 1975. He turned a second division outfit into a leading first division club, which went on to win the European Cup in two successive seasons.
Aspirations
119. To recognise Clough’s position as one of Middlesbrough’s most notable sons a statue is proposed in the town’s Albert Park. This superb Victorian park, recently restored to its former glory, sits between Clough’s family home and Ayresome Park, home of Middlesbrough Football Club during his era.
120. A fundraising committee was established shortly after Clough’s death in September 2004, who has now raised over £30,000 towards the costs of delivering this tribute to Clough’s life, as well as creating another piece of quality public art for the town.
121. With grant assistance from Arts Council North East an artist selection process has been undertaken with international artist Vivien Mallock selected to undertake the work. The statue will represent Clough as a young man during his playing days in Middlesbrough and will be sited on the route that Clough may have taken between his home and Ayresome Park on training and match days.
Applicant: Middlesbrough Town Centre Company on behalf of the fundraising committee Implementation: August 2006 – March 2007
Grant Sought: £29k Your Heritage Grants, £36k match required Overall Scheme Cost: £65k
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APPENDIX 1
LANDSCAPE PARTNERSHIPS
O: Church of St. Columba’s Page 25
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APPENDIX 1 0: Church of St Columba’s
122. The Church of St. Columba’s sits proudly adjacent to the A66 on the large site now primarily occupied by Sainsbury’s. The Grade 2 listed church, designed by architect Temple Lushington Moore of London, was built to replace a temporary church at the turn of the century following a million penny fund to pay for its construction by public subscription.
123. The church is of an irregular diamond shape built in mottled red brick with stone dressings and a slate roof in gothic style. It has an asymmetrical hexagonal tower some 70 feet in height with an external stair turret and conical roof. The church has recently seen considerable repair works undertaken.
Aspirations
124. There are aspirations to substantially upgrade the external environment of the building. In partnership with Middlesbrough Council and the local Groundwork Trust a scheme of improvements has been prepared which shows the current parking to the front of the church being relocated to a site to the rear of the existing Sainsbury’s petrol filing station. The front of the church would be re-paved as a high-quality public space incorporating as its central feature, the crucifix that is to be relocated from adjacent to the current church doors.
125. The scheme of improvements involves the creation of an overspill car park area onto an overgrown and weed-infested area currently used by rough sleepers, the provision of a high-quality forecourt and adjustments to adjacent public footpaths. The scheme will integrate both functional and decorative lighting and new street furniture as well as soft landscaping.
Applicant: The Church of St Columba’s Implementation: August 2007 – July 2008
Grant Sought: £250k Landscape Partnerships, £50k Neighbourhood Renewal Fund Overall Scheme Cost: £300k
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