Children, Youth and Leisure Committee 9 June 2015 Developing a Spatial Heritage Strategy Report by Executive Head of Cultural Services
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Children, Youth and Leisure Committee 9 June 2015 Developing a Spatial Heritage Strategy Report by Executive Head of Cultural Services Purpose To set out a process for developing a spatial heritage strategy and action plan to promote the Royal Borough’s rich history and built heritage. Recommendation To RESOLVE that the process (ref paras 5-8 of the report) for consulting on and developing a spatial heritage strategy and action plan is approved. Key Points A. Kingston has a rich heritage – it is an area which has developed from its origins as an ecclesiastical and commercial history. However the story of its development is not well known to most residents or visitors. Its built heritage is not explained or promoted sufficiently well to engage most residents and visitors with the story of the area and its historical significance. It is therefore intended to develop a spatial heritage strategy and action plan to promote the Royal Borough’s rich history and built heritage. B. Identity and heritage are important elements of the Council’s programme, and it is important that they are reflected in plans for growth. C. The Spatial Heritage Strategy is intended to be used as a supporting document to other plans such as Kingston Futures and planning briefs. D. The Action Plan will be used to support bids to Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and other bodies to improve the built heritage and environment and to improve promotion of heritage in Kingston. Context 1. Kingston has a number of key historic sites. Examples of these include: • The Undercroft; • All Saints Church; • The Coronation Stone; • Kingston Market place/ Market House; • Kingston Museum and Library; • The Guildhall; • Lovekyn Chapel; • Clattern Bridge; • Cesar Picton’s house; • Stanley Picker House and Gallery; • Dorich House; • Seething Wells; • Tolworth Court farm • ..and others 2. There have been some recent successes in obtaining funding to improve sites, most notably at All Saints Church where a Heritage Lottery Fund application was successful. A funding bid to refurbish and extend Kingston Museum failed in 2014. 3. The move of local studies and archives to the former Magistrates Court in the basement of the Guildhall Kingston is an important step in re-invigorating Kingston’s approach to its heritage. The building will have extended opening hours, to include Saturdays. 4. A positive meeting has been held with the Heritage Lottery Fund and they have recommended a strategic and phased approach whereby Kingston will develop a strategy for spatial heritage and from this produce a ‘pipeline’ of supported bids for Heritage Lottery Funding. Consultations 5. Key organisations and stakeholders will be consulted In developing the strategy. 6. Local organisations include the Kingston Society, Friends of Kingston Museum and Heritage Service, Kingston upon Thames Archaeological Society, Kingston Tour Guides, Maldens and Coombe Historical Society and other interested groups. 7. Bodies such as English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) will also be consulted. Timescale 8. Consultations on a draft strategy will take place from September 2015. The draft strategy would be brought back to the Council for approval and publication by March 2016 . A programme of bids to HLF would be implemented from April 2016. Resource Implications 9. The process of developing the strategy would be carried out in house with no additional resource implications. 10. Publication of the strategy will support funding bids to generate external capital and revenue support to improve the promotion of heritage in the borough. Equalities Impact Assessment 11. An equalities impact assessment will be required particularly in relation to access to sites and legibility of signage. Legal implications 12. None arising from the specific recommendation of the report Background papers – held by author of the report, Scott Herbertson, Executive Head of Culture and Lead Commissioner for Children’s Services [email protected] 0208-547-5267 • The Best Place to Live: A Cultural Strategy • A Sense of Place: Policy guidelines on the recognition and promotion of famous people and places in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames • Listed Buildings in Kingston .