Oldbury Rowley Regis Smethwick Tipton Wednesbury West Bromwich
Sandwell’s Heritage
Report of the Select Committee on Heritage and Culture Sandwell’s Heritage
JULY 2005
Sandwell Heritage
Report of The Select Committee on Heritage and Culture
Contents
Page No 1. Introduction 1 1.1 Sandwell’s Heritage – An Overview 1 1.2 Purpose of Select Committee – Phase 1 2 1.3 Context 2 1.4 Proceedings of The Select Committee 3 1.5 Select Committee’s Achievements to Date 3 1.6 Overarching Recommendations 4
2. Physical Assets 6 2.1 Summary of Arguments Put Before The Select 6 Committee 2.1.1 Historic Buildings, Structures & Parks - Overview 6 2.1.2 Priorities for Historic Buildings, Structures and 8 Parks 2.1.3 Findings from Exemplar Buildings 9 2.1.3.1 Oak House, Oak House Barns and Stocks 9 2.1.3.2 West Bromwich Manor House and Manager’s 9 House 2.1.3.3 Cobbs Engine House and Chimney 10 2.1.3.4 Sandwell Priory and Well 10 2.1.3.5 Ingestre Hall 11 2.1.3.6 Haden Hall and Stable Block, Haden Hill Estate 11 2.1.4 Findings from Other Historic Buildings and Sites 12 2.1.4.1 Visitor Centres 12 2.1.4.2 Heritage Listed Parks 13
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Page No 2.1.4.3 Conservation Areas 14 2.1.4.4 Chain Shop, Temple Meadow Primary School, 14 Cradley Heath 2.1.4.5 Canal Infrastructure / Bid for World Heritage Status 15 2.1.4.6 Soho Foundry 16 2.1.4.7 Soho House 17 2.1.4.8 Black Country Living History Museum, Dudley 17 2.1.5 Other Issues for Historic Buildings and Sites 17 2.1.5.1 Development Priorities within the Museums Service 17 2.1.5.2 Data Collection on the Historic Environment / Local 18 Listing 2.1.5.3 Community Venues / Borough-wide Venues 18 2.1.5.4 Access for People with Disabilities 19 2.2 Conclusions of The Select Committee 20 2.3 Recommendations of The Select Committee 21
3. Collections and Archaeology 22 3.1 Summary of Arguments put before The Select 22 Committee 3.1.1 Collections 22 3.1.2 Archives 23 3.1.3 Archaeology 24 3.2 Conclusions of The Select Committee 26 3.3 Recommendations of The Select Committee 27
4. Programming 28 4.1 Summary of Arguments put before The Select 28 Committee 4.1.1. Activities and Events 28 4.1.2 Education 29 4.1.3 Interpretation 31 4.2 Conclusions of The Select Committee 32
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Page No 4.3 Recommendations of the Select Committee 32
5. Marketing 33 5.1 Summary of Arguments put before The Select 33 Committee 5.1.1 Visitors 33 5.1.2 Promotions 34 5.1.3 Press and Media 34 5.1.4 Electronic Access To Sandwell’s Heritage 35 5.1.5 Other Promotional Materials 35 5.1.6 Tourism 36 5.2 Conclusions of the Select Committee 37 5.3 Recommendations of the Select Committee 37
6. Partnerships 38 6.1 Summary of Arguments put before The Select 38 Committee 6.1.1 Friends Groups 38 6.1.2 Heritage and Civic Societies 39 6.1.3 Community and Voluntary Sector 39 6.1.4 Sub-Regional and Regional Agencies 40 6.1.5 Black Country Study 40 6.2 Conclusions of the Select Committee 40 6.3 Recommendations of the Select Committee 41
7. Implementation Plan 42
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Page No Appendix 1 Priorities for Council Owned Buildings, 43 Structures and Parks protected by Statutory Designation
Appendix 2 Council owned Buildings, Structures and 45 Parks protected by Statutory Designation identified for review by the Select Committee on Heritage and Culture
Appendix 3 Presentations from Council Officers 62
Appendix 4 Presentations from outside organisations 65
Appendix 5 Programme of Visits 67
Appendix 6 Membership Of Select Committee On 68 Heritage and Culture: Phase 1 2004/05 - Heritage
Appendix 7 Contextual work/ underlying documents 69 Appendix 8 List of organisations which responded to 70 consultation
Sandwell’s Heritage
1. Introduction
1.1 Sandwell’s Heritage – An Overview
‘Sandwell’s historic environment is unique, irreplaceable and vulnerable and has great cultural, educational and recreational value to present and future residents of the borough and its visitors.’1
Sandwell’s heritage includes buildings, monuments, landscapes and collections. Place names point to its rich heritage as do documents of people’s memories and personal stories. Finds from the area go back as long ago as 8000, to the Mesolithic period. They show evidence of continuous settlement since then: finds have been excavated from Roman times and 5 Saxon settlements are mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. These days, the built environment is proof of the area’s importance to the Industrial Revolution, whilst contemporary faith buildings mark the contribution that incoming communities have made to its economic and cultural life.
Sandwell’s location, at the heart of the West Midlands conurbation, makes it well placed to develop its heritage assets for the benefit of local communities and for visitors alike. Many strategic plans have identified the potential - the West Midlands Visitor Economy Strategy, the Black Country Visitor Economy Strategy and British Waterways’ Vision all recognise the importance of the Black Country’s heritage, and of Sandwell’s place within this. The Black Country Consortium’s 30 year vision also forsees an urban renaissance which builds on the historical, cultural, environmental legacy of the area.
The time is right to work with others to maximise the contribution of the borough’s heritage to economic growth, environmental change and quality of life. Within this, it is critical to recognise and celebrate the heritage of all communities in Sandwell.
The Select Committee’s focus on Heritage, as Phase 1 of its two-phase programme, has enabled an overview of the borough’s heritage assets to be produced and identified ways of taking them forward through:
1 Quote from SMBC’s draft Heritage Strategy, April 1999, p2
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• A planned approach to conservation and management; • Cohesive programming across the sector; • Joined up marketing between heritage assets so that their full potential can be realised.
1.2 Purpose Of Select Committee – Phase 1
The purpose of the Select Committee, as agreed at its first meeting, was to examine heritage and cultural provision in the borough and to identify actions needed to improve the Audit Commission’s scoring of the Council through the Regular Performance Assessment (RPA), from 2 to 3. As the Committee began to hear evidence from heritage and cultural providers, however, the scope of the issues to be covered became clearer. With the agreement of the Leader of the Council, the Committee decided to undertake the work in two phases: Phase 1 (July 2004 - July 2005) - Heritage; Phase 2 (July 2005 - July 2006) – Culture.
The Select Committee’s findings from Phase 1, Heritage, cover the following: historic buildings, structures and parks; canal infrastructure; visitor centres; museums; collections; archives; architecture; building conservation; conservation areas; archaeology.
Phase 2 – The Culture Block - will include Arts; PE and Sport; Parks and Open Spaces; Landscapes; Wildlife Sites; Shows and Events; Libraries; Tourism.
1.3 Context
Sandwell Council’s Cultural Services, including its heritage services, were appraised by the Audit Commission in November 2003 through the RPA. The Commission’s report (March 2004) gave them an overall score of 2 (out of 4). Capacity to improve, however, scored a 3. Cultural Services have now been identified as a service block for assessment in the Corporate Performance Assessment (CPA) of local authorities, the next CPA being due in spring 2006.
In response to the Audit Commission’s findings, the Select Committee has focused on ensuring that priorities for the Council’s heritage assets are identified, to support strategic planning for improvement and development. This approach is
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in line with the key regional agencies for heritage, which have expressed their wish for a more coherent partnership with the Council, based on developing shared priorities.
The Select Committee has also ensured that heritage planning reflects Council priorities, including those improvement priorities which are most directly relevant to heritage issues:
Education: The key to a brighter future Safe, clean, stronger communities for all citizens of Sandwell
1.4 Proceedings Of The Select Committee
The Select Committee drew up a work programme to cover in detail the issues which fell into Phase 1. It obtained information through:
• Presentations – from Council Officers and other representatives from heritage sites within the borough and elsewhere in the West Midlands; • Presentations and comments from Regional Cultural Agencies and from Friends Groups of Sandwell heritage sites; • Submission of papers by Council Officers, in response to information requested by the Committee; • Visits to selected sites.
The Select Committee’s draft report was circulated for consultation to regional agencies, friends and user groups, local historic and civic groups, elected members, officers, and others. Consultation findings were presented back to the Select Committee, and the final report was agreed by Cabinet in July 2005.
1.5 Select Committee’s Achievements to Date
The Select Committee is pleased to report on a number of achievements which have already come about as a result of its work:
• Streamlining of appropriate Cultural and Heritage Services under one Division; • Securing of funds for appointment of a tourism officer;
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• Securing of funds for Year 1 of the Museums Investment Strategy; • Invitation to Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure to sit on the Black Country Living Museum board, thus strengthening Sandwell’s links with regional museums.
1.6 Overarching Recommendations
1.6.1 The Select Committee found that organisational structures for the Council’s culture and heritage services were complex and disparate: at the start of its work in July 2004, services were dispersed across all four of the Council’s themes, and reported to four different Cabinet Members. This created problems for ensuring a shared vision and coherent working across the whole. To support the development of a strategic direction and to bring about improvements and efficiencies (including complying with the Gershon Report), the Select Committee recommended that:
• Cultural and Heritage Services should be brought together, where appropriate2, under one Division, with a single Cabinet Member.
1.6.2 The Select Committee recognised the importance of producing an action plan to ensure that its recommendations are implemented and recommended that:
• An Action Plan to implement this report should be produced by October 2005 and submitted to the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, and that monitoring reports for this are considered by the appropriate Scrutiny Committee on an annual basis.
1.6.3 The Select Committee found that the Museums Service was severely under-funded for the number of sites and range of programmes that it manages. Following an interim recommendation of the Committee, funding for the first year of the Museum Service’s 3-Year Investment Strategy has been secured. The Committee endorsed the Museums Investment Strategy and recommended that:
2 For those heritage services which have a planning function, it is considered more appropriate to retain then within the Theme of Urban Regeneration.
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• Years 2 and 3 of the 3-year Museums Investment Strategy, 2005-08, should be funded in full from Corporate budgets.
1.6.4 The Select Committee recognised that the borough has a wide range of heritage assets, many of which are of regional, national or international significance, and amongst the best in their class. It wished to see high profile promotion of these in a way that would add value to the whole, and support greater access by the community for learning and recreation. The Committee wished to encourage the public to see connections between these assets, whether buildings, structures, monuments, canals, sites, road names, collections or archives. It also wanted transport links between them to be identified, to encourage visits. It therefore recommended that:
• A Heritage Trail should be developed for Sandwell, linked to trails for each of the 6 towns, to promote and increase understanding of its heritage legacy. The Sandwell Heritage Trail should link into wider heritage trails for Birmingham and the Black Country and also link to transport providers such as Centro. It should be developed in full partnership with key agencies, both local and regional.
1.6.5 The Select Committee received evidence of the many assets which are not owned by the Council, yet which make an important contribution to the borough’s heritage. It also heard evidence of support available from regional heritage agencies, including English Heritage. MLA West Midlands: the regional council for museums, libraries and archives, and the heritage Lottery Fund. It recommended that:
• Strategic links should be strengthened between the Council and other key agencies, including British Waterways and others, to ensure coherent approaches to heritage asset management.
1.6.6 The Select Committee heard from English Heritage and MLA West Midlands regarding their priorities for heritage and their views of Sandwell’s current and potential contribution to these. It therefore recommended that:
• The Council’s heritage services should identify areas for the development of best practice, to enable Sandwell to
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increase its contribution to regional strategies and priorities for heritage.
1.6.7 The Select Committee heard from representatives of friends and user groups and from local heritage groups, and recognised the value of working in partnership with these, to develop Sandwell’s heritage and build community links. It recommended that:
• A borough-wide Heritage Federation should be established to represent all of the borough’s friends, users and local heritage groups – including those for both Council and independent facilities. The purpose of the Federation will be to strengthen the involvement of these groups in planning and rejuvenation of heritage assets in conjunction with the Council, and to build links with all of Sandwell’s communities.
2. Physical Assets
2.1. Summary of Arguments put before The Select Committee
2.1.1 Historic Buildings, Structures and Parks - Overview
The borough of Sandwell has an extensive range of historic buildings, other structures and parks: there are 195 with some kind of statutory protection and others which are of historic interest, and which are seen as important by local communities, but which do not have listed status.
The listing of a building, structure or site identifies which features are important – for example, its importance as an architectural landmark, or the historical significance of its internal fixtures. In Sandwell, the list includes a number of Grade II buildings, six Grade II* listed buildings and two Grade I listed buildings/structures.
The Grade I listings are:
• Manor House • Galton Bridge.
Sandwell also has five Scheduled Ancient Monuments:
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• Cobbs Engine House (Windmill End, Rowley Regis) • Smeaton’s Summit Bridge (Smethwick) • Engine Arm Aqueduct (Smethwick) • Remains of Sandwell Priory and Sandwell Hall (Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich) • Smethwick Engine House (Bridge St., Smethwick).
In addition, there are several non-scheduled sites that are of national importance; two of these are about to be scheduled, these being:
• Soho Foundry • Chance’s Glass Factory.
As scheduled sites, the grounds around them are protected, as well as the structures themselves.
The borough also has five Heritage Listed parks and gardens of Special Historic Interest:
• Brunswick Park, Wednesbury • Dartmouth Park, West Bromwich • Great Barr Hall (Holly Wood), Great Barr • Victoria Park, Tipton • Warley Wood Park, Smethwick
Of the 195 heritage assets with statutory protection, the Council owns around a quarter, but has an interest in others. Many of the remainder are in the ownership of British Waterways, with a handful of others in the control of other public bodies or in private hands. In addition, a number of buildings will be identified as having local significance and included in a local listing. The Council must comment on these, if the subject of a planning application, but they have no statutory protection.
Within its overall range of historic buildings and structures, there is a predominance of industrial heritage, including sites of former manufacturing, the canal infrastructure and associated waterway structures. Closure of many local manufacturers means that much of this is run down and under threat.
The Council has a duty to maintain its historic buildings and bring them back into use. However, preservation of heritage comes at a price and low levels of funds for maintenance
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(£442,600 was spent in 2003-04) means that many essential capital repairs and renovations have not taken place. As at January 2005, some 7% of the Council’s historic assets were ‘at risk’3.
Funding for capital developments comes almost exclusively through bids to external funders or to the Council’s Corporate Capital Fund. There can, therefore, be no guarantee of being able to undertake capital developments, however desirable.
2.1.2 Priorities for Historic Buildings, Structures and Parks
The Committee agreed to consider six of the buildings and structures with statutory protection as exemplars, in order to develop a means of prioritising them for development and investment. Those selected represented a cross-section of types of buildings/structures, in varying states of repair. They were:
• Oak House, Oak House Barns and Stocks • West Bromwich Manor House and Manager’s House • Cobb’s Engine House and Chimney • Sandwell Priory and Well • Ingestre Hall • Haden Hill Estate: Haden House and Stable Block.
The Committee visited each of these, and agreed to apply the following criteria to them to test a method for setting priorities:
• Ownership/tenure/listed status; • Capital/revenue budget costs and allocations; • Current condition and prioritized future expenditure; • Commercial value and potential for alternative management solutions; • Heritage value of the asset to the Council; • Service issues relating to usage and impact of the asset in delivering the Council’s priorities.
Following this exercise, the Committee agreed to apply a slightly more limited set of criteria to its full portfolio of buildings, structures and parks with a statutory protection. These were scored to arrive at priorities. The reason for agreeing to a more
3 Buildings are defined as being ‘at risk’ according to the definition of English Heritage. Risk is assessed on the basis of condition and, where applicable, occupancy.
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limited set was the lack of capacity to produce all the information which the full list of criteria would have required: in some instances, reports would need to be commissioned from external specialists. The revised criteria were:
• Heritage value of the asset • Impact on Council priorities. • Location • Public Accessibility • Compliance with Disability Discrimination Act
2.1.3 Findings from Exemplar Buildings
2.1.3.1 Oak House, Oak House Barns and Stocks
This Grade II* listed building is a timber-framed yeoman’s house dating from circa 1590. It houses an extensive collection of original Tudor furniture and fittings and is interpreted through living history programmes and other activities. Although planned repairs have been carried out to the House, and its condition is classified as generally good, there is a need for further planned repairs estimated at between £500,000 and £600,000. Adjacent to the House are two Barns, Grade II listed, one of brick and the other timber-framed. Both of the barns are at risk, due to their very poor condition. Funding made available by Greets Green Partnership has enabled substantial improvements to the site and grounds. Temporary ‘portaloos’ and a temporary classroom have been installed on the site, which need to be replaced by appropriate permanent facilities as soon as possible.
Across the whole of the Museums Service, Oak House is seen as the top priority. The ambition is to secure its role as a visitor destination, linked to other cultural developments in West Bromwich, and to develop its interpretation role. At present, it lacks essential facilities, including reception, interpretation spaces, refreshment and shop facilities, public toilets and parking. The barns could provide the key to releasing the potential of Oak House as a visitor destination. A project officer is due to be appointed in 2005-06 who will prepare a capital project plan in consultation with partners.
2.1.3.2 West Bromwich Manor House and Manager’s House
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This Grade I listed building is a complete and original mediaeval manor house complex with a moat and park land. The site is regarded as one of the best of its type in the country. The Manor House, itself, is included in Simon Jenkins’ book ‘England’s Thousand Best Houses’, 2003.
The complex currently functions as a pub/restaurant on lease until 2015 to Banks’ Brewery, who have sub-let the premises. The buildings were restored to a high standard, with the result that maintenance/repair costs are relatively low. Maintenance arrangements are split between the Council and the Brewery. A full condition survey, especially of the timbers, is now recommended and a programme of preventative maintenance should be established; maintenance of the moat is a particular problem. A conservation study is planned for 2005-06.
The current lease arrangements has raised issues other than maintenance, including interpretation and promotion. Although it is one of the borough’s key heritage assets, it is not well promoted and provides no interpretation or educational opportunity. Concerns over the condition and management arrangements were raised with the Select Committee by Chris Smith, Regional Director of English Heritage.
2.1.3.3 Cobbs Engine House and Chimney
This structure is Grade II listed and also a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It serviced as a mine pumping house and is now a site of heritage interest, as a relic of Sandwell’s coal-mining history. It is believed to be the oldest surviving engine house of its kind in the country. The engine itself is now housed in a museum in Detroit. The surrounding site shows evidence of mediaeval settlement, and some excavation is planned, involving local people.
The building is thought to be in fair condition with only minor maintenance needs. These are, nevertheless, important to prevent deterioration. Documentation is in place at the site but is in a poor state, due to vandalism. This limits opportunities for the site’s educational use.
2.1.3.4 Sandwell Priory and Well
The site of the Sandwell Priory in Sandwell Valley, a scheduled Ancient Monument, is that of a Benedictine Monastery from
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around 1180, whilst the Holy Well is the site of the Sandwell Spring, from which the borough takes its name. However, artifacts discovered during excavation establish that people have occupied the valley from the Mesolithic period on (middle stone age 12,000-4,000 BC). The collective heritage value of this complex of assets to the council and the community cannot, therefore, be overstated. The site has a wealth of unexcavated material.
Funds for excavation have been limited and where work has been undertaken, parts of the site have been left exposed. Although the site of the Priory is considered to be in good condition, some immediate remedial work is required to stabilize the site and prevent further erosion and damage. The archaeology itself is considered to be at risk, and needs remedial work to conserve and protect it.
The site is used as an educational resource, through school visits. On-site interpretation boards have suffered from vandalism and lack of maintenance. Archaeological findings from the site are stored in the basement of Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery. No work, either by way of research or of conservation, has taken place on them and storage conditions are inadequate. A small number are on display in Sandwell Park Farm.
2.1.3.5 Ingestre Hall
Ingestre Hall is a Grade II* listed building located in Staffordshire in 27 acres of parkland. It is used as a residential arts centre for Sandwell school pupils. It has received relatively high levels of maintenance in recent years and its condition is believed to be fair, although further repairs are needed. Its collections were established by the former owners, the Earls of Shrewsbury, and include both paintings and furniture. Only two of the paintings are identified as being of merit. An Ingestre Art Fund is in place to support maintenance of the collection.
2.1.3.6 Haden Hall (also known as the ‘Tudor Hall’) and Stable Block, Haden Hill Estate
Haden Hall is part Jacobean or Elizabethan with later additions, and has been fully restored and repaired in accordance with a scheme drawn up in the 1980s, which envisaged its use as a museum ancillary to the Victorian Haden Hill House. It is
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included on a single Grade II listing with Haden Hill House, and the heritage asset value of the Hall is as part of a group of buildings combined with the wider park setting. Funding has been spent recently to secure the Hall, ensuring that it can be safely opened for special events. Appropriate interpretation will be undertaken in due course. The building requires ongoing maintenance, which has a budgetary implication.
Funding has been secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Stable Block to secure it and make it watertight. Its potential to become the main centre for the Museums Service’s educational work is now under consideration.
2.1.4 Findings from other Historic Buildings and Sites
The Select Committee received presentations from representatives of other heritage assets, including examples in the borough but not in Council ownership, and examples from outside the borough.
Brief details of these are given below, and further information is given under relevant headings elsewhere in this report.
2.1.4.1 Visitor Centres
Sandwell’s Visitor Centres include: Sandwell Park Farm, Forge Mill Farm and Galton Valley Canal Heritage Centre. Sandwell Valley, Sandwell Park Farm and Forge Mill Farm are all quality assured by the English Tourism Council, and the National Trust has commented very favourably on the Park Farm. Both farms offer living experiences of Sandwell’s heritage: the Park Farm’s offer is that of a working Victorian Farm, whilst Forge Mill Farm offers a more contemporary dairy farm. Galton Valley has been identified as having national significance. One of its key features is the Smethwick Pumping Station which has been refurbished and includes a working pumping engine of the original period, although now powered by electricity. The function of the Pumping Station was to re-circulate water lost through the system of locks.
Visitor numbers to the centres are increasing. However, budgets constrain developments – budget increases are especially needed for building maintenance.
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2.1.4.2 Heritage Listed Parks
The National Heritage Act of 1983 enabled English Heritage to register gardens and other lands of special historic interest. The purpose of registration is to identify, protect and ensure their maintenance. Sandwell has 5 such parks, all of which are grade II listed, which indicates that they are of significant historic interest. These are:
• Warley Woods Park, Bearwood • Brunswick Park, Wednesbury • Dartmouth Park, West Bromwich • Victoria Park, Tipton • Great Barr Hall, Great Barr
Warley Woods is managed by a community trust; Great Barr Hall is managed by the private sector, except for the Holly Woods section which is managed by SMBC staff. The remaining parks are managed by the Ground Care Services of SMBC.
For those Heritage Listed Parks within the Council’s management, recent and future developments are as follows:
Brunswick Park: The park has received funding over the past 2 years to create a new children’s play area, multi-use games area, tennis courts and restoration of the band stand. A Historical Feasibility Study is underway, to support a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for restoration.
Dartmouth Park: This is currently subject to a comprehensive master-planning exercise, which will inform a bid to HLF in autumn 2005. This includes improving its links with regeneration plans for West Bromwich, and links to Sandwell Valley.
Victoria Park, Tipton: The park has had significant investment in recent years, including from the Big Lottery Fair Share scheme, enabling the development of a state of the art skate-boarding park which is nationally acknowledged.
The Parks and Green Space Management Service has ambitions to secure Heritage Listed Status for one park in each of the 6 towns. The proposed additional parks are: Haden Hill
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Park, Rowley Regis; Barnford Park, Oldbury; Victoria Park, Smethwick.
2.1.4.3 Conservation Areas
Sandwell has 6 conservation areas. This is a comparatively smaller number than neighbouring councils, but – unlike some other councils – it has carried forward enhancement policies on all of them. The areas are:
• Smethwick Summit, Galton Valley • Church Square, Oldbury • Market Place, Wednesbury • Factory Locks, Tipton • High Street, West Bromwich • Windmill End, Warrens Hall Park, Rowley Regis.
The designation of a conservation area enables the Council to understand what is important about an area, whilst legislation allows for production of an urban design framework in relation to these areas, which helps prevent poor design.
A review process of Sandwell’s conservation areas, endorsed by English Heritage, has been agreed. Such reviews can consider the scope of the area, identify buildings to go on the local listing, and also consider ways of preserving the soft landscape. Public consultation is a key part of these reviews. A review has been conducted on the Smethwick Summit and is now out for consultation. When finalised, it will become part of Supplementary Planning Guidance.
A study has been undertaken into the area from Smethwick High Street to Cape Hill, which may lead to options for 3 new conservation areas.
2.1.4.4 Chain Shop, Temple Meadow Primary School, Cradley Heath
The Chain Shop, originally sited in a local foundry, and was due for demolition. Instead it was offered to Temple Meadow School, and both building and contents were painstakingly catalogued before it was moved. It has now been re-erected exactly as before, with all of its tools in place. The theme of chain is used throughout the school to deliver national
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curriculum subjects, and to raise children’s awareness of their heritage.
2.1.4.5 Canal Infrastructure / Bid for World Heritage Status
The canal network is of major heritage significance: its construction started with the building of the first Birmingham- Wolverhampton Mainline Canal, which runs through Tipton, Oldbury and Smethwick, in the 1760s-1770s by James Brindley. In its hey-day, Sandwell had 50 navigable canals, covering 180 miles. The purpose of this massive feat of engineering was to transport industrial traffic, including coal. Some parts of the network were still in use up to the 1950s for this purpose. Today, however, canals are used primarily for recreation and tourism – in recent years there has been a 600% increase in such use in Sandwell. A number of new housing developments have grown up which embrace, rather than turn their backs, on the canals, one example being Tividale Quays. Such housing developments now command a premium. The network also provides a wildlife corridor and supports Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation.
Ownership of the canals and towpaths, along with a number of canal-side buildings and structures, lies with British Waterways. One of these is the Grade I listed Galton Bridge, built by Thomas Telford in 1829. Partnership work between British Waterways, the Council and others has enabled significant funding to be secured in recent years from HLF and Advantage West Midlands for structural improvements and community involvement programmes. British Waterways has in place strategies for tourism and interpretation for the Black Country – these identify a number of key canal sites for investment and development. Galton Valley, Smethwick, and Windmill End, Cradley Heath, are amongst these.
The Black Country Consortium, a public private partnership which works with the four Black Country Councils Chief Executives, has developed a 30-year vision for the Black Country. One of the Consortium’s plans for taking this forward is a bid for World Heritage Status for the canal network. This supports another of its plans, the Black Country Study, a new land use plan based on cultural renaissance and environmental transformation. World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO and indicate sites of outstanding universal value, either as cultural or as natural treasures. The next ‘tentative
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list’ of possible sites is likely to be formulated between 2008 and 2010.
Key pieces of work for the Shadow Steering Group prior to submitting the bid include: identifying which areas of the canal network should be included; preparing a ‘Statement of Significance’; developing links between the built environment and the area’s social history; developing a management plan; formalising the bid’s steering group.
Benefits which have emerged from the work so far include: more collaborative working between the canal officers for the four authorities and with British Waterways; greater clarity about planned improvements along the network. Future benefits will include: integration of the work in the Black Country Study, of statutory significance, since this constitutes the Regional Spatial Strategy; development of stronger working relationships between the Black Country authorities and Birmingham, to secure added value from Birmingham’s regeneration for the wider region.
2.1.4.6 Soho Foundry
This site has international significance. It is located in Smethwick alongside the Birmingham to Wolverhampton Main Line Canal, and is owned by GEC Avery, the weighing machine manufacturer. With financial backing from Matthew Boulton, Soho Foundry was opened in 1796 to complete the James Watt rotative engines that were originally developed at the Soho Manufactory in Handsworth and which enabled use of steam as a means of propulsion for industry. This was one of the most important industrial inventions made during the 18th Century. The site also includes the foundations of the Mint, in perfect condition, and was the first gas lit factory in the world.
Watt, Boulton and others were members of the Lunar Society, which has been described as ‘the revolutionary committee of the Industrial Revolution’. The site itself has been described by English Heritage as ‘one of the Holy places of the Industrial Revolution’.
Three structures on the site have been collectively grouped as a single Grade II* listing. A further six structures are under consideration for statutory listing at this grade. Over recent
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years, assessment, evaluation and surveys have been conducted, leading to a conservation plan for the site.
The site now falls within an area designated as Soho Park in the Regeneration Framework for Regenco, the Urban Regeneration Company for the area. Regenco’s aspiration is to conserve and interpret the area’s industrial heritage in a transformed environment, and it is currently in discussion with Advantage West Midlands and Heritage Lottery Fund for the acquisition of, and emergency works to, the historic foundry buildings.
2.1.4.7 Soho House, Birmingham
Soho House is part of Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery, and receives approximately 12,000 visitors per annum plus 3900 visits from schools. It is the restored home of Matthew Boulton, and served as the meeting place for the Lunar Society, made up of some of the greatest philosophers and scientists of the 18th century. Its net budget for 2004-05 is £185,000 and it receives funds for additional projects through ‘Renaissance in the Regions’, including money for improving displays, out-of-hours learning for children, and resources development for teachers. Other project funds from Neighbourhood Renewal and the City’s Social Care and Health Directorate support work with local communities.
2.1.4.8 Black Country Living Museum, Dudley
Located just outside Sandwell’s border, in Dudley, the Museum presents material relating to the story of the Black Country. It is constituted as a charitable trust, with two further trusts which deal with fundraising for premises development and trading activities. The Museum is an open air site with a large collection of buildings and structures brought from elsewhere, including from Sandwell. It attracts 240,000 visitors per annum, including 75,000 school visits. It receives £62,000 in revenue from Dudley MBC, and earns its remaining £1.4m income from tickets, trading and conference/events lettings. Expansion of the Museum is being planned as part of Dudley’s development of the Castle Hill area into a major tourist destination.
2.1.5 Other Issues for Historic Buildings and Sites
2.1.5.1 Development Priorities within the Museums Service
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The Museums Service manages 5 sites: Oak House Museum; Haden Hill House; Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery; Tipton Community Heritage Centre; Bishop Asbury Cottage. Most of these sites are listed and capital improvements have been made to these in recent years, within available resources. In 2004, the Museums Service drew up an Investment Strategy, setting out its priorities for development and putting capital and revenue costings to these. The total investment required over the 3 years, 2005-2008 is £554,500. Corporate funding of £160,000 has been made available to deliver Year 1 (05-06) of this. The priorities are to be reviewed in the light of findings from this Select Committee.
2.1.5.2 Data Collection on the Historic Environment / Local Listing
The Government’s report , ‘The Historic Environment: A Force for Our Future’, 2001, established a framework for the future management of the historic environment through the principles of knowledge, protection, access and potential. The report advocated Characterisation Studies as a means of advancing knowledge and public involvement.
The Council’s Historic Environment Team has begun a characterisation process on the Housing Market Renewal Area (HMRA) in Smethwick/West Bromwich, identifying and assessing its broad historic characteristics – a piece of work which is regarded nationally as ground-breaking within metropolitan areas.
The resulting HMRA Historic Environment Management Guidance Report covers around one-fifth of Sandwell’s land features and up to one-quarter of its historic buildings, especially those along canal sides. It will inform future regeneration, and provide outline strategies for planning, conservation and enhancement. It has led to identification of buildings for local listing, designation of new conservation areas and updated information on buildings and structures which are nationally listed. The identification of a conservation area and the inclusion of a building on the local listing is of material consideration in the planning process. Pending funding, these studies will be extended to each of the six towns over the next 4 years.
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2.1.5.3 Community Venues / Borough-wide Venues
The issue of whether local community venues are better placed than central venues with a borough-wide function to display exhibitions was considered. Professional advice was sought on this, including from Chris Smith, Regional Director of English Heritage and from Kathy Gee, Chief Executive of MLA West Midlands, the regional council for museums, libraries and archives.
Whilst there is no ‘right’ answer, the advice received suggests that the benefits of central venues can outweigh the disadvantages of local venues: many exhibitions and collections have a wide significance and should therefore be accessible to as many people as possible; there are difficulties in sustaining large numbers of local venues through cost (premises, maintenance, staff, promotions etc), and in ensuring high standard (artistic, health and safety, environmental etc).
It may, however, be possible to support occasional short-term temporary exhibitions in community venues.
2.1.5.4 Access for People with Disabilities
Lift access is being created at Sandwell Park Farm. However, many other heritage sites are difficult to access by people with disabilities and have few facilities to accommodate their needs.
2.2 Conclusions of The Select Committee
2.2.1 The Council needs to determine its priorities for maintaining and developing its heritage assets and should make plans for how it will use its historic buildings.
2.2.2 Increased budgets are required to support planned maintenance programmes and programmes of improvement, including improvements to facilities for people with disabilities.
2.2.3 Ensuring that buildings have a use is extremely important, and is vital to ensuring that they can be maintained. Any renovation should be linked to establishing a clear use for a building.
2.2.4 Conserving heritage assets comes at a price – the Council has to do all that it can to secure external grants for them, based on clear priorities. It should also be creative about alternative uses
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and flexible about different management/ownership arrangements. For buildings where the Council cannot identify a suitable use, it should seek alternative arrangements with other agencies, including leasing and sale. The comparison with Birmingham was made – this is a city four times the size of Sandwell with a far larger budget for its Museums and Art Gallery Service, yet Sandwell’s Museums Service manages almost as many sites as Birmingham.
2.2.5 The Council needs to address the issue of how to preserve its industrial heritage for future generations. This is a key feature of the borough’s heritage, and gives it a unique place within the country. It is a major asset, waiting to be tapped.
2.2.6 Steps need to be taken to ensure that the heritage value of the Manor House is protected and that access to it is available to all sections of the community. A contingency plan is also needed in the case of the current lessee deciding it no longer wants the lease.
2.2.7 Although some concern was expressed about possible damage to collections at Ingestre Hall resulting from its usage, the experience which children and young people receive there, including the opportunity to work in such surroundings, was felt to outweigh this.
2.2.8 The Museums Investment Strategy, including its capital priorities, was endorsed by the Select Committee.
2.2.9 The importance of the Historic Characterisation Study in Smethwick/West Bromwich, and the identification of buildings for inclusion in the local listing, was recognised by the Select Committee. It felt that greater use should be made of Blue Plaques to note buildings of significance. No. 47 Dagger Lane presents an opportunity, to mark its connection with the Battle of Trafalgar.
2.2.10 For the most part, the Committee felt that the Council should focus on developing a small number of key sites for exhibitions, to ensure the highest possible standards, and access to as many Sandwell people as possible, rather than disperse resources thinly over an increasing number of sites. Collections which are owned by the Council are owned on behalf of the whole of the borough, and so the widest possible access should be given to them.
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2.2.11 It was noted that the recent review of the Unitary Development Plan will lead to stronger links between heritage issues and planning functions. It was also noted that the Council’s Historic Environment Team has recently employed two Heritage Assistants who are undertaking training in conservation issues.
2.2.12 It is important that officers such as tourism officers from each of the four Black Country boroughs work closely together, to secure maximum benefit and ensure that improvements go across the whole.
2.2.13 There are benefits and disadvantages of securing Heritage Listed status for more parks: the main advantage of being listed is the increased status which could assist funding bids; a disadvantage is the greater number of conditions which have to be complied with, which are costly and which may restrict a park’s development in line with contemporary expectations of users.
2.2.14 Use should be made of Blue Plaques to raise awareness of the borough’s heritage.
2.3 Recommendations of The Select Committee
2.3.1 The list of priorities for Council owned buildings, structures and parks as shown in Appendix 1 should be adopted, including its five levels of priorities. These have been developed using two criteria: heritage value; end use and extent to which this impacts on Council priorities. This list should be used as the basis for funding bids to both Corporate Capital funds and external funders.
2.3.2 Conservation and maintenance programmes should be drawn up in the short-term (2 years) for sites identified as level 1 priorities, and in the medium term (3-5 years) for sites identified as level 2 and 3 priorities. Corporate Asset Management and Grounds Maintenance Plans should reflect these priorities, as should spend of the Corporate Disability Access budget.
2.3.3 For assets within the 4th level of priorities, alternative management arrangements should be considered, where this is not already the case, including: alternative use, leasing, sale and disposal.
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2.3.4 For the 5th level of priorities, buildings of local significance without statutory protection, the Council should continue the work of producing a local listing. This will help inform where local buildings sit within its priorities, as and when they are designated.
2.3.5 As the Council’s top priorities, conservation, maintenance and improvement plans should be drawn up for the Manor House and Oak House, and be used to prioritise funding bids and allocation of internal budgets. Plans for the Manor House should be undertaken in partnership with the tenant.
2.3.6 As its number one asset, the Council should work in partnership with any lessee of the Manor House to ensure that the heritage value of the site is maximised, and that public access is improved through heritage open days and other means. Specialist consultants should be used to identify ways to deal with stagnant water in the moat at Manor House, as part of a wider health and safety review of the site.
2.3.7 The Council’s focus should be on developing a small number of existing key sites for exhibitions and heritage programmes, to ensure the highest possible standards, and to support access to as many Sandwell people as possible.
2.3.8 Heritage issues, and issues relating to visitor attractions and tourist facilities, should be considered when determining planning controls to ensure that new developments enhance and maximise existing heritage and attractions.
2.3.9 The Council should continue the work of historic characterisation studies, to incorporate the whole of the borough.
2.3.10 The benefits and disadvantages of applying for Heritage Listed Status for a greater number of parks should be assessed, before further applications are made.
2.3.11 Officers from all cultural and heritage services should be involved in putting together local plans for towns and neighbourhoods, to maximise the local heritage
2.3.12 Opportunities to make greater use of Blue Plaques to mark significant buildings should be explored.
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2.3.13 The priorities established for Council owned buildings, structures and parks should be reviewed periodically, in consultation with the Council’s Property Management Team and others, and informed by the findings of conservation and maintenance plans.
3. Collections and Archaeology
3.1 Summary of Arguments put before The Select Committee
3.1.1 Collections
Sandwell’s premier collection, The Ruskin Pottery Collection, is considered to be the best collection of Ruskin Pottery in the country. It is now displayed in a new room with more extensive interpretation, and the collection has been expanded. Access to significant numbers of people from throughout Sandwell and beyond, however, is limited by its location.
The cellars of Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery house collections from archaeological excavations, including those at the Sandwell Priory. However, lack of resource means that essential work on researching, cataloguing and conservation has not taken place. Inadequate environmental and packing conditions are leading to decay in some instances.
Plans for The Arcade, a new facility to serve the whole of the borough, will address the lack of exhibition space for collections and touring exhibitions. They also propose more comprehensive use of this important complex of heritage buildings, which would otherwise remain underused. Their renovation and development will support the wider cultural and economic regeneration of West Bromwich.
Other plans within the Museums Service, pending funding, include: improvements to control and monitoring of environmental conditions in display areas to meet standards; development of storage facilities jointly with the Community History and Archive Service through the development of The Discovery Centre; conservation of key works from the collections and placing previously unseen collection items on display; improved cataloguing and documentation of collections. The Service is also planning a review of its Collections Policy, in preparation for its application for Museums, Libraries and
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Archives accredited status in 2006. This accreditation recognises the importance of collections and effective collections management as the foundation for everything that museums strive to do. Achievement of it is a pre-requisite for funding from bodies such as HLF, and is a gateway to accessing services, exhibitions and objects from other museums.
Sandwell has collections and artifacts from its industrial history: the Sandwell Engine is located at Severn Valley Railway. The Smethwick Engine, the earliest surviving Boulton and Watt engine, is now housed at Millennium Point, Birmingham. Smethwick Pumping Station houses an original pumping engine, which has been refurbished and can been seen working by visitors, albeit now powered by electricity. There is a specialist collection of weighing machines at the Avery Museum of Weighing, within the Soho Foundry site. Plans are in place to bring the Archive from Chance’s Glass Factory back into the borough on permanent loan. There are opportunities to use this for education and outreach work, and to raise awareness of the significant buildings and structures associated with it, such as the Chance Glass Works and Testing House Site, and the Sir James Timmins Chance Memorial in West Smethwick Park.
The Committee heard that voluntary organisations across the borough are also collectors of artifacts which reflect local heritage. One of the most notable of these is the Smethwick Heritage Centre Trust. Formed some eight years ago, the Trust has built up a collection of Smethwick heritage, which it displays in its own centre (leased by Sandwell Council) and in a room at the Galton Valley Canal Heritage Centre.
Black Country Living Museum has an extensive specialist collection of Black Country Artifacts. It has worked with several local organisations to help them in collecting, preserving and documenting artifacts, and is happy to lend collections to other agencies.
3.1.2 Archives
Sandwell’s archives are managed by the Community History and Archive Service (CHAS). Limited resources means that the service faces a number of issues including: backlog of items needing to be catalogued; difficulties in current accommodation for storage of archives; responding to user needs from a service
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which is growing in popularity (user figures grew from 12,000 in 2001-02 to 29,000 in 2003-04); extensive work needed to digitize archives to enable access and safeguard documents. In common with many other authorities, Sandwell’s archives do not currently meet The National Archive Standard.
However, significant improvements have been made recently, including recruitment to the post of Borough Archivist and the development of a draft 10 Year Plan to address the key issues, which is now subject to consultation. It includes plans for community engagement and for responding to archives held by local community/voluntary groups. The development of the Arcade, planned to include accommodation for the Community History and Archive Services, is important in ensuring that the Council’s archives can meet The National Archive Standard in the future, and therefore be retained within the borough.
These improvements were noted by Kathy Gee of MLA West Midlands. Links between Sandwell’s Archives and archive services elsewhere in the Black Country were also recognised as a strength by Kathy Gee, including the success of the Black Country local authorities in securing funding from Heritage Lottery Fund for the digitisation of archives. Given recent improvements, she hopes that Sandwell’s Community History and Archive Service will play a higher profile role in the region in the future. In addition, she identified that community-held archives present challenges to many local authorities – they need to be acknowledged and those which should be collected need to be identified.
3.1.3 Archaeology
The Select Committee heard that archaeology is concerned with the past of human beings, as studied through scientific analysis of material remains. Sandwell’s archaeological remains are extensive and very significant, making it one of the richest areas for archaeology in the country. The range of finds indicates that the area has been continuously settled from the Mesolithic period to the present day.
Overall, Sandwell’s industrial past is considered to be its prime archaeological resource by specialists. Underlying the Soho Foundry site is a mass of industrial archaeology in good condition. The Thomas Lench Factory in Blackheath is another
Page 25 Sandwell’s Heritage remarkable find. The site of Chance’s Glass Factory is also considered to contain good archaeology.
The borough also has a wealth of archaeology from earlier periods, from prehistoric to pre-industrial. Sandwell Valley contains major archaeology, including rare burnt mounds, crop marks and an ice house. Wednesbury has tremendous archaeology, including evidence of 400 years of forging.
Some sites have been extensively excavated, including the site of Sandwell Priory, Sandwell Hall and the Holy Well in Sandwell Valley Country Park, which is seen as a further very significant archaeological resource. Artifacts collected from this site are mainly stored in the cellars of Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery, with a small display at Sandwell Park Farm. The current condition of the Priory Site is a cause for concern and needs considerable investment to stabilise and protect it.
Some areas of Sandwell have been subject to surprisingly little ground disturbance – archaeological preservation in these areas should therefore be good. 15 areas of ‘Potential Archaeology’ are defined within the Council’s Unitary Development Plan, 2004. However, lack of funds limits the amount of excavation which can be undertaken, so that much of Sandwell’s heritage remains unexplored.
In addition to excavations, work has been undertaken on improving the evaluation and documentation of Sandwell’s archaeology, including:
• Completion of the Soho Foundry Conservation Report • Completion of the Housing Market Renewal Area Urban Historic Characterisation Study, including production of a local list for Smethwick and West Bromwich. • Other work at Chance’s Glass Works, Haden Hill, Cape Hill and Cradley Heath.
The Council manages the Sites and Monuments Record Database, a tool for recording sites, structures and individual finds. Previously held by Wolverhampton, this is now back in Sandwell’s domain, and a dedicated member of staff has been secured to bring it up to the standard require by English Heritage. Through its Historic Environment Team, the Council will soon be producing a listing and guide of all archaeological finds.
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3.2 Conclusions of The Select Committee
3.2.1 There is a lack of suitable exhibition and storage space for Sandwell’s existing collections, which undermines work to conserve, catalogue and display them. However, plans to develop The Arcade include expanded, high quality exhibition facilities. The complimentary development of The Discovery Store will supply storage facilities for artifacts and archives. The development of The Arcade will require a review of the programming of Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery.
3.2.2 A collections policy is needed for the borough’s Archives, to identify the current position and provide guidance on collecting in the future.
3.2.3 An updated collections policy is also needed for collections held within museums, visitor centres and elsewhere to identify current strengths, ambitions, and providing a framework for collection in the future, across all sites and services. Given the significance of the industrial revolution to Sandwell, the issue of collecting industrial heritage should be considered.
3.2.4 Whilst involvement of the public in archaeological digs will not be appropriate at many sites, there may be some sites where greater involvement could take place, and help to raise awareness of heritage issues.
3.2.5 Sandwell has untapped heritage and archaeological resources which are of national significance – there is a need for more archaeological research and excavation, and for increased resources to support this. Sandwell Valley offers a good example of the need for a full archaeological survey, with its heritage spanning prehistoric to industrial times.
3.2.6 A forum to bring together all groups with an interest in archaeology within the proposed borough-wide Federation would be useful, so that information can be shared, data on finds compiled and collaborative working improved.
3.2.7 Digital access to heritage assets is no longer an add-on – it should be a core part of service delivery. Resources are therefore needed to improve electronic access to Sandwell’s heritage assets.
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3.3 Recommendations of The Select Committee
3.3.1 Development of the two proposed flagship facilities, The Arcade and The Discovery Store, should be supported to provide high quality facilities for the storage, display and interpretation of heritage assets. These should include provision of accommodation for the Community History and Archive Service to ensure compliance with The National Archive Standard, and secure the future of the Council’s archives.
3.3.2 Increased resources should be made available by the Council for the tasks of cataloguing and conserving Sandwell’s collections, and archaeological finds. An indicative budget of £95,000 is needed for this, with an additional £30,000 in year 1.
3.3.3 Conservation and maintenance programmes should be drawn up for Sandwell’s collections, including its archives and archaeological finds, and integrated into the wider business plans of responsible services.
3.3.4 Collections policies should be updated and developed for Sandwell’s collections, including its archives and archaeology, to provide a coherent framework for growth and disposal. This should incorporate all services and sites including museums, art gallery, visitor centres, civic collections, other collections and records of heritage interest held by the Council.
3.3.5 Given the significance of the Industrial Revolution to Sandwell, the issue of collecting industrial heritage should be considered within collections policies.
3.3.6 Collections policies should reflect Sandwell’s diverse communities, in order to celebrate the heritage of all of its citizens.
3.3.7 Increased resources should be made available by the Council for excavations and a planned programme should be developed, to ensure a proactive approach to excavating prime sites in the borough. Within the programme, the site around Cobbs Engine House should be a priority. Public involvement in excavations should be encouraged, where appropriate.
3.3.8 Digitisation of collections should be undertaken, building on the current work at Black Country level to digitise archives. An indicative figure of £150,000 is proposed for this. Steps should
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also be taken to place the Council’s Historic Environment Characterisation studies on the web. Benchmarking with other authorities suggests that this will require £175,000.
4. Programming
4.1 Summary Of Arguments Put Before The Select Committee
4.1.1 Activities and Events
Sandwell Valley hosts the largest scale events run within the borough, and sees them as a vital marketing tool to bring people into the valley. They do, however, bring their own pressures onto the Valley and its resources. The Holly Well, at the site of the Sandwell Priory in the Valley, is the scene of an annual well-dressing event, as part of the deification of the water.
Oak House has expanded its range of events and activities in recent years, including innovative work to build links with the culturally diverse communities in the immediate vicinity. This has included interpretation events, community arts activities and family events, as well as its living history programme. As the priority for the Museums Service, Oak House is well placed to develop its role as a visitor attraction, linked to the wider cultural regeneration of West Bromwich.
Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery has developed the number of temporary regional and national exhibitions that it promotes in recent years – audience numbers have increased as a result.
The recent focus on cultural diversity in exhibitions promoted at Wednesbury and other museums was recognised by Kathy Gee, MLA West Midlands. She felt, however, that, in the past, Sandwell’s Museums Service has not had best practice case studies to share regionally. She emphasised the major opportunities likely to develop in the future for museums to focus on cultural diversity and neighbourhood renewal. Plans are also in place for ‘Rennaissance in the Regions’, the major national museums initiative, to make links with more museums – a potential benefit to Sandwell.
Plans are in place for use of Haden Hill House for special events, now that the building has been secured. The recent
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successful funding bid for the Stable Block means that this space could be developed into the much needed educational resource for the whole of the Museums Service.
The Museum Service’s Investment Strategy includes plans to extend the number and range of events, including events linked to its exhibitions programme, and events in partnership with THEpUBLIC, the Council’s Arts Service and local community groups.
The 10 year plan for the Community History and Archive Service includes the development of a comprehensive outreach and promotional programme to increase community participation.
Increased use of canals is encouraged by both British Waterways and the Council through the use of community projects and events. Community arts activities have been used in particular to build links with minority communities. There has also been a noticeable reduction in anti-social behaviour as a result of this work.
The Select Committee heard evidence from Hazel Cartledge, Education and Outreach Officer at Soho House Museum, about how Soho House shapes its exhibitions and events programme around local interest to bring people in – for example, Bank Holiday Bollywood is becoming a regular feature with music, dance, mendhi and nail art. The Museum also supports an Asian Women’s Textile Group to empower local women and increase their self-confidence.
Evidence from the Black Country Living Museum also supported the importance events and activities to draw in visitors – the Museum commended the range of events held in Sandwell Valley to draw people in.
4.1.2 Education
Living History Programmes are run at Oak House, and have a high take-up from local schools. Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery has a dedicated learning centre, and is the base for Adult Education classes. The Museum Service has secured Lottery funding to initiate a new project, ‘The Learning Game’, which will increase its educational work with children and families.
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Assuming funding is available, the Museums Investment Strategy includes plans to develop educational work across all its sites, including provision of adult education, stronger links with schools, and delivery of family oriented learning events. Haden Hill Stable Block could serve as the main centre for the Museum Service’s educational provision.
The Smethwick Pumping Station in the vicinity of the Galton Valley Canal Heritage Centre attracts around 3000 school visits a year – enabling them to develop an understanding of the use of steam for power and of the industrial heritage of the area.
The Council’s Historic Environment Team gives talks on archaeology to local communities and would like to extend its work into schools. Some archaeological sites, such as the Sandwell Priory and Cobbs Engine House are used for school visits. Information collected on archaeology contributes to raising the quality of contemporary urban design, whilst developers have shown themselves to be more responsive to local archaeology of late, through being more supportive of the need for site excavations where required.
Information obtained from Manchester City Council describes its success in obtaining significant funds from the Heritage Lottery Fund, supported by private sponsorship. This has allowed the City to employ a community/outreach archaeologist on a three- year contract, along with a part-time museums education officer. The scheme has proved a massive success with two showcase community archaeological excavations being undertaken in comparatively deprived areas. Evidence suggests a decrease in local crime as a result.
The Chain Shop at Temple Meadow School provides an innovative example of the use of heritage within education – using chain as a starting point, the school takes a thematic approach to deliver maths, English, history, IT, science and other subjects. The school also makes use of other heritage sites in the borough, including Oak House and the canal network.
Information collected through the Characterisation of the Historic Environment project in the Housing Market Renewal Area (and elsewhere in the future) could provide a useful
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educational resource, for professionals, local heritage groups and others.
Open days, roadshows and schools programmes run by local voluntary civic and heritage groups, such as Smethwick Heritage Centre Trust, also contribute to educational opportunities.
Soho House Museum offered some interesting examples of educational work to the Select Committee, including provision of regular workshop programmes for schools, teachers’ resources and the establishment of a Soho Science Society for Year 10 children.
4.1.3 Interpretation
Interpretation of the Ruskin Pottery Collection has been improved recently and the Museums Service has ambitions to improve its documentation of its other key objects and collections.
The cellar of Bishop Asbury’s cottage is being opened for the first time for visitors and new interpretation describing the social life of the cottage is being prepared.
Interpretation at many outdoor sites is inadequate or in a poor state of repair. Vandalism is a common threat to exterior information boards, such as those at Cobbs Engine House and Sandwell Priory. The Ice House in Sandwell Valley is an example of a heritage asset with little public information.
Archaeological excavations include the production of an academic excavation report. However, information that targets the general public is also needed, to raise awareness, inform and improve access to sites and finds.
The Committee heard that the Black Country Living Museum regards provision of information on its buildings and collections as vital. It has found that there are many ways of providing information, and ensures that each of its building projects is meticulously researched, to provide the necessary information resources. It makes extensive use of costumed guides and demonstrators to interpret its assets and collections.
4.2 Conclusions Of The Select Committee
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4.2.1 Programming of high quality temporary exhibitions within key venues is an effective way of building visitor numbers. Examples heard from heritage sites outside the borough bear this out, and can be used as examples of good practice.
4.2.2 Plans for the development of The Arcade will have implications for museums sites and their programmes, and need to be reflected in revised collections policies.
4.2.3 Oak House, as the priority asset within the Museums Service, should develop its role as a visitor centre through developing its programme of events, activities and interpretation, to secure its role in the cultural regeneration of West Bromwich.
4.2.4 There is considerable scope for extending the educational offer of the borough’s heritage sites. Opportunities to be explored include: employing more education officers within heritage services to develop links with schools; developing curriculum resource materials on Sandwell’s heritage; providing more signage and information at sites which currently have little public exposure.
4.2.5 The Committee was very impressed by the work of Temple Meadow Primary School, linked to the Chain Shop, and debated whether other schools could similarly ‘adopt’ a Sandwell Heritage Site.
4.2.6 Opportunities to learn from best practice elsewhere in the region was recognised as an opportunity, to help to strengthen local services and build visitor numbers.
4.3 Recommendations of The Select Committee
4.3.1 Programming of events and activities at heritage sites should be increased, to bring Sandwell’s heritage alive, impact on visitor numbers and improve key performance indicators and the Council’s Corporate Performance Assessment score. Increased resources should be made available to enable this: £60,000 is an indicative budget for this.
4.3.2 Cross-sector working, including rogramming, should be co- ordinated across all sites to enable coherence and complimentarity.
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4.3.3 Oak House should be developed as a major visitor attraction, linked to the wider economic and cultural regeneration of West Bromwich.
4.3.4 Programming should ensure that events and activities are promoted that reflect and build links with Sandwell’s diverse communities.
4.3.5 A cohesive educational offer for schools should be developed by all services which contribute to Sandwell’s heritage, to maximise their contribution to school improvement and curriculum enrichment.
4.3.6 The Stable Block on the Haden Hill Estate should be developed as the focus for educational work for the Museums Service and for other heritage services.
4.3.7 Recruitment of additional education / community outreach staff for heritage services should be a priority, when funds can be secured, including for archaeology and museums services. Indicative costs for these is estimated at £30,000 p.a. per post.
4.3.8 Links should be developed with ‘Renaissance in the Regions’ to develop best practice in museums through working and sharing with other museums services in the region. Note: ‘Renaissance in the Regions’ is a major initiative of the national Museums, Libraries and Archives Council to revitalise England’s regional museums. It aims to build capacity through workforce development and enhance services so that more people are able to take advantage of them.
5. Marketing
5.1 Summary Of Arguments Put Before The Select Committee
5.1.1 Visitors
Visitor numbers to visitor centres are significant:
• Sandwell Park Farm receives over 100,000 visits per annum; • Forge Mill Farm receives over 60,000 visits per annum; • Galton Valley Canal Heritage Centre, including the Smethwick Pumping Station, receives around 10,000
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visitors per annum, of whom around 3,000 are school children.
The estimated usage of the Sandwell stretch of the Birmingham - Wolverhampton Mainline Canal is 0.25m per annum.
Visitor figures to museums are low in comparison with other authorities. However, figures to all sites have increased by 30% in the last 3 years. In 2003-04, there were 46,328. The Committee recognised the importance of providing programmes of activities to build up visitor numbers.
The Black Country Living Museum promotes itself to 2 distinct markets: local and distant. It also recognises that its competition comes more from the commercial sector than from other museums. For every visitor, it spends nearly £1 on marketing. Pricing policies causes the Museum difficulties and it is aware that its relatively high prices exclude some people.
5.1.2 Promotions
The Committee heard evidence of the Council’s corporate approach to marketing and promotions. Since the Corporate Communications Unit was established, significant work has been undertaken with some cultural services, helping them to develop high quality promotional materials with attractive branding. Examples include promotional materials produced for events and museums and a Visitor Guide to Sandwell as a whole, which features the borough’s cultural renaissance and presents information and images on its heritage and cultural assets. A tour guide to Haden Hill House and a leaflet for Bishop Asbury Cottage are currently being produced.
The amount of promotional work which the corporate unit can directly undertake for other Council services is limited by its capacity and budget.
Individual services also develop their own promotional materials and many of these are of high quality. Ensuring that all promotional materials are produced within Corporate guidelines is a consideration.
5.1.3 Press and Media
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The Select Committee heard of the support available to services through press officers in the Corporate Communications Unit. A portfolio approach is being developed, and a designated press officer is now working on heritage and cultural areas. This will support a more proactive approach to managing relationships with local press, as well supporting opportunities for coverage in national and specialist press.
5.1.4 Electronic Access to Sandwell’s Heritage
The Corporate Marketing Unit has been involved in development of the Council’s web site, which now includes information on some of the Council’s heritage services. Further improvements are needed, to ensure that information on all heritage assets is available on the web.
Web-site access can be used not only to provide information on heritage assets. It can promote distance access for educational purposes or enable access to artifacts and archive materials which are delicate or are located at sites where public access is limited. It can also provide a way of recording heritage where the asset itself no longer exists.
The Museums Service has plans for enabling web access to key collections across all its sites, including digitisation of images, to increase access.
The Archives Service is currently digitising its records in a partnership project with the other Black Country boroughs.
The Canals for Communities Project is launching a web-site to promote Sandwell Canals.
Information in the Sites and Monuments Record Database is not currently on the web and would require capital investment to achieve this.
Information collected through the Characterisation of the Historic Environment in the Housing Market Renewal Area has been collected digitally, but there are no funds at present to turn this into a web site. Access by the public or by specialists, including those involved in conservation and urban design, is therefore limited.
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5.1.5 Other Promotional Materials
There are some innovative examples of alternative means of promotion in use in the borough: the touch-screen at Galton Valley Canal Heritage Centre is one – it provides visitor information and signposts people to other attractions across the region.
Many heritage assets, however, have no, or very little, promotional material at all. As one of the most important heritage assets in the borough, Manor House has little by way of promotional or information materials.
There is currently little promotional material aimed at the general public on Sandwell’s archaeological sites. Funding is needed to develop these.
Hazel Cartledge, Education and Outreach Officer at Soho House Museum provided information on how this is promoted: promotional materials and press releases are produced by a centralised Marketing and PR Department. All of Birmingham’s museums share a mailing list, which is mailed 2-3 times per annum. The Museum also mails out to schools every term with details of workshops which they can book into.
5.1.6 Tourism
The Select Committee heard that one year funding has been secured from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund to employ a Destination Co-ordinator, with a further two years funding being likely. It will enable development of a better infrastructure for tourists, such as signage and information points. It will also create strategic links with Black Country Tourism, which is recognised as the Destination Management Partnership for the sub-region. Through the Black Country Visitor Economy Strategy, Black Country Tourism provides business support to visitor sites in addition to its strategic marketing role. As part of regional tourism strategy, Heart of England Tourism will be developing a programme to undertake Destination Healthchecks and benchmark destinations.. Sandwell needs to be seen to be working with, and delivering against, these.
British Waterways has a Tourism Strategy and employs a tourism officer for the Black Country, although funding for this is short-term. This is informing its investment in sites and its
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activities to promote visits. It has run familiarization visits with tour operators and promoters to key sites.
The Inland Waterways Association is promoting a canal cruise to encourage use of lesser used canals in the area.
5.2 Conclusions of The Select Committee
5.2.1 Marketing resources and budgets for Heritage are far too low.
5.2.2 Sandwell needs a permanent tourism officer with an appropriate operational budget, rather than a temporary post with time- limited funding. This development should support partnership work with Black Country Tourism.
5.2.3 Tourism needs to be championed at Cabinet Member level, to ensure that its profile and importance to the regeneration of the borough is recognised.
5.2.4 Web-based promotion is of increasing importance and needs to be fully exploited by heritage services. Heritage sites need to be linked to the Council’s IT network to enable staff to take advantage of web-based routes for information and promotion, as well as to improve back office efficiency.
5.2.5 Information and promotional materials should be developed for all key sites, particularly the Manor House, as one of the Sandwell’s most important heritage assets. Other important sites, such as the Sandwell Priory and Well and Cobb’s Engine House, also need these.
5.2.6 Sandwell has sufficient high quality heritage assets to warrant a heritage trail, and key sites in each of the 6 towns should be incorporated into this. It should also link into wider heritage trails for the Black Country. The educational and community engagement value of these, where supported by appropriate initiatives, was noted.
5.2.7 The Committee welcomed opportunities to develop virtual heritage trails, featuring digitised collections and other heritage assets.
5.3 Recommendations Of The Select Committee
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5.3.1 Increasing marketing activities for heritage should be a top priority, to increase promotion of Sandwell’s heritage assets, many of which have little at present. An annual budget of £50,000 is recommended for this. This initiative should support marketing for both heritage and culture, and should work in conjunction with other marketing initiatives, including those ofthe Corporate Communications Unit, Black Country Tourism, the Black Country branding initiative, ‘See It In Colour’, and Heart of England Tourism.
5.3.2 The appointment of a permanent Tourism Officer to continue the current time-limited post, working in partnership with Black Country Tourism, should be a priority for the Council
5.3.3 Electronic access to information on heritage should be seen as core to marketing operations, and information on heritage assets on the Council’s web site should be improved and developed, as an increasingly important source of information for the public.
5.3.4 Appropriate heritage sites should be linked to the Corporate IT network, to support services to develop web-based promotions and to improve the efficiency of back-office functions.
5.3.5 Information and promotional materials should be developed for all key sites, particularly the Manor House, as one of the Sandwell’s most important heritage assets.
5.3.6 All promotional materials should be developed within Corporate guidelines, and services should make maximum use of advice available from the Corporate Communications. Services should also make maximum use of advice available from the Council’s designated press officer for heritage and cultural services.
5.3.7 Signage and information at outdoor sites should be improved and maintained, to ensure their promotion as well as providing an educational resource. Directional signage from key transport routes should also be improved.
6. Partnerships
6.1 Summary Of Arguments Put Before The Select Committee
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6.1.1 Friends Groups
The Select Committee heard evidence of the many Friends Groups associated with heritage assets, which provide links to local communities, help in site development and in submitting funding bids.
It was recognised that there are some funding sources which only groups independent of the Council can tap into, and the option of developing a Heritage Trust was considered. However, the Committee also heard that most of the larger sources of funds were available for the Council to bid to, and that the main financial benefits accruing to the Sandwell Leisure Trust (reclaiming of business rates and VAT) would be of limited financial benefit to the Heritage Sector.
Opportunities for activities to be run at sites by Friends Groups was identified – for example, Jack Beard, Chair of the Friends of Haden Hill Estate, suggested contacting the History Re- enactment Society with a view to setting up a weekend event.
6.1.2 Heritage and Civic Societies
The Committee received a presentation by David Bryant, Chair of the Smethwick Heritage Centre Trust, one of the key heritage societies in the borough. The Trust has 1200 members and provides an important route for community involvement, as well as providing education and information on local heritage.
It was recognised that this is one of several groups around the borough that play a key role in developing community interest and in providing educational resources. Their role within local communities and their collections of heritage and heritage information are significant.
6.1.3 Community and Voluntary Sector
Partnership work exists between heritage services and local agencies. Examples include: collaboration between Oak House and Greets Green Partnership, leading to improvements to the grounds and facilities; collaboration between the Museums Service and Wednesbury Education Action Zone.
Sandwell Valley benefits through work placements by students on countryside management courses and by school pupils.
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Students training as vets or veterinary nurses also undertake training there.
The Community History and Archive Service has plans to extend volunteering opportunities and develop its work with friends and users of the service. On some archaeological sites there is scope to involve members of the community, including young people. The Abbey at Warley Woods and Cobbs Engine House are appropriate sites for this.
The Black Country Living Museum finds that help from volunteers on the site is critical.
6.1.4 Sub-Regional and Regional Agencies
The Committee received presentations from representatives of three regional agencies which have a central role in heritage – these were Kathy Gee, Chief Executive of MLA West Midlands, the regional council for museums, libraries and archives, Chris Smith, Regional Director, English Heritage (EH) and Anne Jenkins, Regional Director, Heritage Lottery Fund. Each identified the regional support that was available to local authorities.
Kathy Gee described the new Museums Accreditation Scheme and the regional museums strategy, ‘Fast Forward’. She also made reference to The National Archive Standard and to the National Archives Strategy, ‘Listening to the past, Speaking to the Future’.
Chris Smith welcomed the ambitions of the Black Country Consortium to change the image of the area, and reflected that almost all quality regeneration builds on the existing environment. He identified the importance of finding a use for heritage buildings to ensure their sustainability. English Heritage is able to give positive advice on how to take projects such as The Arcade forward, and welcomes being involved at an early stage of proposals.
Anne Jenkins outlined the priorities of the Heritage Lottery Fund, and the levels of funds which are available. In the past, HLF’s investment was focussed on capital. However, a new policy direction from central government means that it now places more emphasis on projects which provide access to heritage. Organisations making bids to HLF are encouraged to
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say what it is about their project that has heritage value, rather than HLF having a prescriptive definition of this. Sandwell has received £6.4m to date from HLF, of which £5.5m was for local authority bids. All not-for-profit organisations are eligible to apply, including voluntary groups. A proportion of match funding would normally be expected, except for bids for under £50k. Most HLF funds are general, although there are some specific funds, such as the Public Parks Initiative and the Young Roots Scheme.
The Select Committee heard from the Black Country Living Museum about the potential for joint work between museums sites and other visitor attractions in the area, to co-ordinate programmes, lend collections, collaborate on marketing initiatives. It thought that there was significant potential in developing a Black Country Heritage Trail – the canals network may be a way of linking this up.
6.1.5 Black Country Study
The Committee was informed of work on the Black Country Study led by the Black Country Consortium. Amongst other things, this Study will develop the heritage and cultural dimensions of proposals relating to centres and communities, and develop the concept of the ‘Black Country as Urban Park’. The Black Country Consortium sees heritage and culture as key to defining the ‘Unique Selling Points’ of strategic centres and underpinning sustainable communities. Its work will result in a landscape plan, to include heritage assets.
6.2 Conclusions Of The Select Committee
6.2.1 Pump priming funds are needed from the Council to secure match funding from other sources, including sources that Friends Groups can tap into.
6.2.2 Friends and User Groups provide an important way of adding to the programme of activities at sites, thereby involving local people. Greater leadership could be given to them by the Council, including helping them to clarify and focus their role. The Council needs to keep them informed of its plans for local heritage. They also need to become constituted, if not already, if they are to bid for funds.
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6.2.3 The Council must communicate its priorities for its heritage assets to external agencies, if it is to successfully secure external funds. Funding agencies need to understand the strategic context and the overarching plans of the Council for improving its heritage stock.
6.2.4 Partnership working should be encouraged between Council services and regional agencies, wherever appropriate, to benefit from expertise and regional initiatives. Involving them at an early stage in major project proposals was seen as important.
6.2.5 Further opportunities could be made for user groups on some sites eg, use of Oak House lawn by local bowling clubs.
6.3 Recommendations of The Select Committee
6.3.1 Partnership working should be encouraged between Council services and regional agencies, wherever appropriate, to enable Sandwell to benefit from expertise and regional initiatives. This should include involving them at an early stage in major projects.
6.3.2 The Council should put together an investment plan for priorities identified in this report, to support requests for funding from external funders and from the Council itself.
6.3.3 Council services for Heritage should maximise opportunities to work with the community and voluntary sector. Services should also encourage volunteering to strengthen community involvement and build capacity.
6.3.4 The Council should identify opportunities to build links with other museums in the Black Country, the West Midlands and nationally, to maximise opportunities for loaned exhibits, signposting of visitors and other collaborations.
6.3.5 The Council should work in partnership with the Black Country Study to ensure that the potential of its heritage, including buildings, monuments and landscapes, is recognised in the Black Country Study, as the key Vision Statement for the future of the Black Country.
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6.3.6 There should be strategic working with Birmingham City Council and others on the development of Soho Foundry, to ensure the inclusion of a heritage dimension within the site’s development.
6.3.7 The Council should lobby local and regional regeneration agencies to demonstrate to them the value of heritage within regeneration.
7. Implementation Plan
An Action Plan will be developed to show how recommendations in this report will be implemented. This plan will be submitted to the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure by October 2005.
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APPENDIX 1
Priorities for Council Owned Buildings, Structures and Parks Protected by Statutory Designation
The following groups of priorities are based on the scoring given in the table shown at Appendix 2.
Level 1 Priorities
(Note: Corngreaves Hall not included since due to pass into private ownership)
Manor House, West Bromwich Oak House, West Bromwich (also to include Oak House Barns, since these are integral to site’s development and interpretation) District Public Library, Victoria Road, Tipton Haden Hill House and Hall, Cradley Heath Sandwell Park Farm, Sandwell Valley Dartmouth Park, West Bromwich Central Public Library, High Street, West Bromwich
Level 2 Priorities
Smethwick Baths Smethwick Council House Thimblemill Library, Smethwick Victoria Park, Tipton Warley Woods Park, Smethwick Smethwick New Pumping Station, Birmingham Canal Sandwell Priory (site off), Sandwell Valley Country Park Big House, Oldbury District Public Library, Wednesbury Brunswick Park, Wednesbury Highfields (Registrar’s Office), West Bromwich Richards Art Gallery and Museum, Wednesbury West Bromwich Town Hall Bishop Asbury Cottage Cradley Heath Public Library Public Library, Church Street, Oldbury Lodge Junior and Infant School, West Bromwich Beeches Road School, West Bromwich Cobbs Engine House and Chimney
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Haden Hill Hall – Dovecote (and wall linking it to house) Smethwick Engine House Great Barr Hall Park (part of), Great Barr West Bromwich Manor House – The Manager’s House
Level 3 Priorities
Arch Lodge and Flanking Wall, West Bromwich Farley Clock Tower, Carters Green, West Bromwich Clock Tower, Market Place, Wednesbury Farley Drinking Fountain Canopy, Dartmouth Square, West Bromwich Clock in Dartmouth Square, West Bromwich Drinking Fountain Canopy, Victoria Park, Tipton War Memorial – Central Memorial in Memorial Gardens, Wednesbury War Memorial attached to Wall of Memorial Gardens, Wednesbury War Memorial, Dartmouth Park War Memorial, Rowley Regis Cemetery War Memorial, Victoria Park, Smethwick Haden Hill Hall – Cross Base East of Hall Memorial to James Chance, West Smethwick Park Stocks at Oak House Mile Post, Birmingham Road, Oldbury Milestone, Hill Top, West Bromwich
Level 4 – Priorities
West Bromwich Magistrates Court Sandwell Valley Riding Centre Hill House and 47 Dagger Lane, West Bromwich Toll House, Smethwick Red House, Great Barr
Level 5 - Priorities
Buildings of local significance without statutory protection Buildings which will be identified over the course of time to go on the local list Buildings within conservation areas.
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APPENDIX 2
Council owned Buildings, Structures and Parks protected by Statutory Designation identified for review by the Select Committee on Heritage and Culture
Appendix 1: Council owned Buildings, Structures and Parks protected by Statutory Designation identified for review by the Select Committee on Heritage and Culture, (as revised following the Committee’s meting on 16th May 2005)
Table 1: Operational Council owned Buildings providing Council services ranked by Heritage Value and Impact on delivering the Council’s priorities Heritage value and Accessibility to the public impact on delivering priorities Building description and No Heritage Impact on total ranking total ranking Listing Status Location Public DDA value priorities score by score by (0-5) (0-5) (0-5) (0-10) (0-10) (0-20) priority (0-15) access 8 The Oak House, Oak Road, Museum. West Bromwich Potentially 10 if B16 Description: Late C16th House 9 visitor facilities, 17 st 3 4 2 9 th including new 1 16 = Listing Grade: Grade II*(star) toilets and At risk?: No classroom are provided 9 Central Public Library, High Central Library. Street, West Bromwich Huge potential nd th B4 Description: 1907 Library 7 for development 16 2 = 5 5 2 12 4 = Listing Grade: Grade II of service At risk?: No through Arcade proposals
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Table 1: Operational Council owned Buildings providing Council services ranked by Heritage Value and Impact on delivering the Council’s priorities Heritage value and Accessibility to the public impact on delivering priorities Building description and No Heritage Impact on total ranking total ranking Listing Status Location Public DDA value priorities score by score by (0-5) (0-5) (0-5) (0-10) (0-10) (0-20) priority (0-15) access 8 District Public Library, Victoria Scores anticipate Road, Tipton re-opening as B6 Description: 1905 Public Library 8 community 16 nd 3 5 4 12 th building plus 2 = 4 = Listing Grade: Grade II museum At risk?: Yes (until refurbished) following refurbishment 8 Haden Hill Hall, Haden Hill Part vacant, Park, Lee Road, Cradley Heath, part operational museum Scores Rowley Regis nd th B8 8 reflect Victorian 16 2 = 2 4 3 11 8 = Description: 1700-1878 House House. No use (The (The Listing Grade: Grade II currently being Victorian Victorian At risk?: No made of the house) house) ‘Tudor Building’ Sandwell Park Farm, Sandwell Valley, Lodge Hill Road (off), West Bromwich B13 Description: C18th Agricultural 8 8 16 2nd= 3 5 5 13 2nd= Museum Buildings (including farm) Listing Grade: Grade II At risk?: No
District Public Library, Walsall Street, Wednesbury 4 9 th Access nd B7 Description: 1907 Public Library 6 Branch 15 6 = 4 5 13 2 = Listing Grade: Grade II greatly library improved At risk?: No recently
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Table 1: Operational Council owned Buildings providing Council services ranked by Heritage Value and Impact on delivering the Council’s priorities Heritage value and Accessibility to the public impact on delivering priorities Building description and No Heritage Impact on total ranking total ranking Listing Status Location Public DDA value priorities score by score by (0-5) (0-5) (0-5) (0-10) (0-10) (0-20) priority (0-15) access Smethwick Baths, Thimblemill Road, Smethwick 8 B14 Description: 1933 Public Baths 7 15 6th= 3 5 3 11 8th= Listing Grade: Grade II Baths At risk?: No Smethwick Council House, 297 High Street, Smethwick 8 th th B15 Description: 1907 Town Hall 7 Council 15 6 = 4 3 4 11 8 = Listing Grade: Grade II Administrative At risk?: No Offices Warley Branch Library, Thimblemill Road, Smethwick 4 B17 Description: 1937 Library 7 15 th 3 5 when 12 th 8 6 = works are 4 = Listing Grade: Grade II Branch Library complete At risk?: No Big House, 44 Church Street, Oldbury B2 Description: Early C18th House 8 14 10th= 5 2 4 11 8th= Listing Grade: Grade II*(star) 6 Member’s office At risk?: No Cradley Heath Public Library, Upper High Street, Cradley Heath, Rowley Regis B5 6 14 th 2 5 4 11 th Description: 1908 Public Library 8 10 = 8 = Branch library Listing Grade: Grade II At risk?: No
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Table 1: Operational Council owned Buildings providing Council services ranked by Heritage Value and Impact on delivering the Council’s priorities Heritage value and Accessibility to the public impact on delivering priorities Building description and No Heritage Impact on total ranking total ranking Listing Status Location Public DDA value priorities score by score by (0-5) (0-5) (0-5) (0-10) (0-10) (0-20) priority (0-15) access Public Library, (formerly listed 8 as Court House), 19 Church library and Street, Oldbury office th st B11 6 st 14 10 = 5 5 4 14 1 Description: 1816 Public Library The 1 floor Listing Grade: Grade II Court House is At risk?: No currently unused 7 West Bromwich Town Hall, Administrative Lodge Road, West Bromwich office and Town B19 Description: 1874 Town Hall 7 Hall 14 th 5 3 2 10 th Potential for 10 = 13 = Listing Grade: Grade II development of At risk?: No service through Arcade proposals Highfields, High Street, West Bromwich B9 Description: circa 1830 Houses 7 6 13 14th= 5 3 4 12 4th= Listing Grade: Grade II District Registrar’s At risk?: No office Richards Art Gallery and Museum, Holyhead Road, Wednesbury B12 Description: 1890 Art 7 6 13 14th= 4 4 2 10 13th= Art Gallery and Gallery/Museum Museum Listing Grade: Grade II At risk?: No
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Table 1: Operational Council owned Buildings providing Council services ranked by Heritage Value and Impact on delivering the Council’s priorities Heritage value and Accessibility to the public impact on delivering priorities Building description and No Heritage Impact on total ranking total ranking Listing Status Location Public DDA value priorities score by score by (0-5) (0-5) (0-5) (0-10) (0-10) (0-20) priority (0-15) access Bishop Asbury's Cottage, Newton Road, Great Barr, West 4 Museum Under- Bromwich th th B3 8 used, historic 12 16 4 3 1 8 18 = Description: circa 1700 House importance not Listing Grade: Grade II recognised At risk?: No
Lodge Junior and Infant 6 School, Oak Lane, West J and I School Bromwich B10 5 (Education to 11 17th 3 2 4 9 16th= Description: 1903 School comment on Listing Grade: Grade II suitability for At risk?: No delivery of service)
Beeches Road School, 5 Beeches Road, West Bromwich J and I School B1 Description: 1892 School 5 (Education to 10 18th 2 2 4 8 18th= comment on Listing Grade: Grade II suitability for At risk?: No delivery of service) West Bromwich Magistrates 4 Court, Lombard Street West, Magistrates West Bromwich B18 5 court 9 19th 5 4 2 10 13th= Description: 1890 Law Courts (to go to new Listing Grade: Grade II courts when At risk?: No built)
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Table 2: Vacant and Void Council owned Buildings ranked by Heritage Value and Impact on delivering the Council’s priorities Heritage value and Accessibility to the public impact on delivering priorities Building description and Listing No Heritage Impact on total ranking total ranking Status Location Public DDA value priorities score by score by (0-5) (0-5) (0-5) (0-10) (0-10) (0-20) priority (0-15) access Corngreaves Hall, Corngreaves 0 8 No public Road, Cradley Heath, Rowley If disposal to access Regis WMHBT is (sale for V1 Description: Late C18th House 9 successful it 17 1st 1 renovation 3 4 1st (vacant Council premises) will cease to for Listing grade: Grade II* (star) be a Council residential asset use in At risk?: Yes progress) The Oak House Barns - Brick 7 Barn approximately 20 metres Potential west of Oak House, West value. Restoration Bromwich is essential V2 Description: Late C18th to provide 5 12 2nd 3 0 0 3 =3rd Agricultural Building (vacant facilities to This score No public reflects access Council premises) safeguard Oak House potential currently Listing grade: Grade II as a visitor At risk?: Yes attraction The Oak House Barns - Timber- Framed Barn, approximately 50 metres west of Oak House, West Bromwich 6 V3 5 11 3rd 3 0 0 3 =3rd Description: C17th Agricultural Potential This score No public Building (vacant Council premises) value reflects access following potential currently Listing grade: Grade II restoration, At risk?: Yes As above
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Table 3: Council owned Buildings which are leased to occupiers ranked by Heritage Value and Impact on delivering the Council’s priorities Heritage value and Accessibility to the public impact on delivering priorities Building description and Listing No Heritage Impact on total ranking total ranking Status Location Public DDA value priorities score by score by (0-5) (0-5) (0-5) (0-10) (0-10) (0-20) priority (0-15) access West Bromwich Manor House, 4 Hall Green Road, West Bromwich There are Description: C1300 Manor house L5 10 8 18 1st 2 public 3 9 1st (leased to occupier) access Listing grade: Grade I rights under At risk?: No the lease. West Bromwich Manor House - The Manager's House, approximately 15 metres east of Manor House, Hall Green Road, 0 L6 West Bromwich 6 4 10 2 No public 3 5 2nd right of 3rd Description: C17th House (leased access to occupier) Listing grade: Grade II At risk?: No Sandwell Valley Riding Centre, 1 No public Wigmore Lane, West Bromwich right of Description: Early C18th House L3 6 3 9 3rd 3 access (but 3 4 =4th (leased to occupier) lessee Listing grade: Grade II operates a At risk?: No riding school)
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Table 3: Council owned Buildings which are leased to occupiers ranked by Heritage Value and Impact on delivering the Council’s priorities Heritage value and Accessibility to the public impact on delivering priorities Building description and Listing No Heritage Impact on total ranking total ranking Status Location Public DDA value priorities score by score by (0-5) (0-5) (0-5) (0-10) (0-10) (0-20) priority (0-15) access Hill House and 47 Dagger Lane, 8 West Bromwich Future of 0 building is Description: Early C16th House No public L1 not clear 0 8 2 1 3 =4th right of 6th (leased to occupier) but it is access Listing grade: Grade II occupied At risk?: Yes and stable Toll House, 115 High Street, 1 Smethwick No public Description: C18th Toll House right of L4 6 2 8 =4th 4 access (but 2 7 2nd (leased to occupier) lessee has Listing grade: Grade II craft At risk?: No workshop) Red House, Hill Lane, Great Barr, West Bromwich 0 Description: 1841 Country House L2 7 0 7 6th 2 No public 2 4 =4th (leased to occupier) right of Listing grade: Grade II access At risk?: No
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Table 4: Buildings providing Council Services which are leased by the Council from freeholder ranked by Heritage Value and Impact on delivering the Council’s priorities Heritage value and Accessibility to the public impact on delivering priorities Building description and Listing No Heritage Impact on total ranking total ranking Status Location Public DDA value priorities score by score by (0-5) (0-5) (0-5) (0-10) (0-10) (0-20) priority (0-15) access Smethwick New Pumping Station, Birmingham Canal, Birmingham Level, Approximately 50 metres north-west of Brasshouse Lane, Smethwick N1 8 6 14 1st 3 2 2 7 1st Description: 1892 Pumping Museum House, (leased by Sandwell MBC (occasional from British Waterways) opening Listing grade: Grade I display pump At risk?: No house)
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Table 5: Council owned Monuments and Structures ranked by Heritage Value and Impact on delivering the Council’s priorities Heritage value and Accessibility to the public impact on delivering priorities Monument or Structure No Heritage Impact on total ranking total ranking description and Listing Status Location Public DDA value priorities score by score by (0-5) (0-5) (0-5) (0-10) (0-10) (0-20) priority (0-15) access Sandwell Priory (Site of), Sandwell Valley Country Park, Park Lane, West Bromwich 8 M11 Description: circa 1180 substantial work 6 14 1st 2 4 2 8 =11th Benedictine Monastery (a structure) is required to reflects safeguard this educational Scheduled Ancient Monument monument value At risk?: No Cobb's Engine House and Chimney, Warrens Hall Park, Dudley Road Description: circa 1831 Mine M3 Pumping House/Chimney (a 7 4 11 2nd 1 1 0 2 17th structure) in view of its Listing grade: Grade II (Ref: 8/169) setting Scheduled Ancient Monument At risk?: No Haden Hill Hall - Dovecote (and 8 Wall linking it to House), Haden potential value Hill Park, Rowley Regis due to rarity. M8 Description: 17th Century Dovcote Urgent work 2 10 =3rd 3 4 0 7 14th (a structure) required to Listing grade: Grade II ensure its At risk?: Yes survival
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Table 5: Council owned Monuments and Structures ranked by Heritage Value and Impact on delivering the Council’s priorities Heritage value and Accessibility to the public impact on delivering priorities Monument or Structure No Heritage Impact on total ranking total ranking description and Listing Status Location Public DDA value priorities score by score by (0-5) (0-5) (0-5) (0-10) (0-10) (0-20) priority (0-15) access 8 Smethwick Engine House, Bridge potential Street, Smethwick due to Description: circa 1799 Pumping historic M12 House (leased by Sandwell MBC on significance, 2 10 =3rd 3 1 1 5 16th peppercorn from British Waterways) and if open Scheduled Ancient Monument to public At risk?: No viewing
Farley Clock Tower, Carters Green, West Bromwich Description: 1897 Clock Tower (a M6 5 2 7 4 4 2 10 structure) 5th 9th Listing grade: Grade II At risk?: No Clock Tower, Market Place, Wednesbury Description: 1911 Clock Tower (a M2 4 2 6 4 4 0 8 structure) =6th =11th Listing grade: Grade II At risk?: No
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Table 5: Council owned Monuments and Structures ranked by Heritage Value and Impact on delivering the Council’s priorities Heritage value and Accessibility to the public impact on delivering priorities Monument or Structure No Heritage Impact on total ranking total ranking description and Listing Status Location Public DDA value priorities score by score by (0-5) (0-5) (0-5) (0-10) (0-10) (0-20) priority (0-15) access Farley Drinking Fountain Canopy, Dartmouth Square, High Street, West Bromwich M7 4 2 6 4 5 4 13 Description: 1885 Water fountain =6th 2nd Listing grade: Grade II At risk?: No Clock in Dartmouth Square, High Street, West Bromwich Description: 1912 Clock (a M1 3 2 5 4 5 5 14 structure) =8th 1st Listing grade: Grade II At risk?: No Corngreaves Hall - Two pairs of Gate Piers and Linking Walls, 70 metres south of Corngreaves Hall,
Rowley Regis M4 4 1 5 2 4 0 6 Description: Early 19th Century =8th 15th
Gate Piers/Wall (a structure) Listing grade: Grade II At risk?: Yes Drinking Fountain Canopy, Victoria Park, Victoria Road (off), Tipton 3 M5 Description: Late 19th Century cast iron canopy 1 4 10th 3 4 2 9 10th badly damaged, Drinking Fountain (a structure) in need of repair Listing grade: Grade II and restoration At risk?: Yes
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Table 5: Council owned Monuments and Structures ranked by Heritage Value and Impact on delivering the Council’s priorities Heritage value and Accessibility to the public impact on delivering priorities Monument or Structure No Heritage Impact on total ranking total ranking description and Listing Status Location Public DDA value priorities score by score by (0-5) (0-5) (0-5) (0-10) (0-10) (0-20) priority (0-15) access War Memorial - Central Memorial in Memorial Gardens, Walsall Street, Wednesbury M15 Description: 1926 War Memorial (a 2 1 3 =11th 4 4 4 12 =3rd structure) Listing grade: Grade II At risk?: No War Memorial attached to Wall of Memorial Gardens, Walsall Street, Wednesbury M14 Description: 1926 War Memorial (a 2 1 3 =11th 4 4 4 12 =3rd structure) Listing grade: Grade II At risk?: No War Memorial, Dartmouth Park, West Bromwich Description: circa 1920 War M16 2 1 3 3 4 4 11 Memorial (a structure) =11th =6th Listing grade: Grade II At risk?: No War Memorial, Rowley Regis Cemetery, Powke Lane (off) Description: circa 1920 War M17 2 1 3 3 4 4 11 Memorial (a structure) =11th =6th Listing grade: Grade II At risk?: No
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Table 5: Council owned Monuments and Structures ranked by Heritage Value and Impact on delivering the Council’s priorities Heritage value and Accessibility to the public impact on delivering priorities Monument or Structure No Heritage Impact on total ranking total ranking description and Listing Status Location Public DDA value priorities score by score by (0-5) (0-5) (0-5) (0-10) (0-10) (0-20) priority (0-15) access War Memorial, Victoria Park, High Street, Smethwick Description: 1920 War Memorial (a M18 2 1 3 4 4 4 12 structure) =11th =3rd Listing grade: Grade II At risk?: No Haden Hill Hall - Cross Base east of Hall, Haden Hill Park, Rowley Regis M9 Description: Medieval Cross base 2 0 2 =16th 3 4 1 8 =11th (a structure) Listing grade: Grade II At risk?: No Memorial to James Chance, West Smethwick Park, West Park Road 2 (off), Smethwick This reflects M10 Description: circa 1900 Memorial potential value, it 0 2 =16th 3 5 3 11 =6th (a structure) is currently in a Listing grade: Grade II very poor At risk?: Yes condition Stocks south of Oak House, (not in situ at present), West Bromwich Description: Early C19th Stocks (a 2 M13 potential value if 0 2 =16th 1 0 0 1 18th structure in storage) restored and Listing grade: Grade II displayed At risk?: Yes
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Table 6: Monuments and Structures in the Public Highway ranked by Heritage Value and Impact on delivering the Council’s priorities Heritage value and Accessibility to the public impact on delivering priorities Monument or Structure No Heritage Impact on total ranking total ranking description and Listing Status Location Public DDA value priorities score by score by (0-5) (0-5) (0-5) (0-10) (0-10) (0-20) priority (0-15) access Arch Lodge and Flanking Wall,
(formerly serving Sandwell Hall),
M5/A41 Island, Birmingham Road,
West Bromwich 5 2 Council has Description: Early 18th Century Location at H1 responsibility 7 1st 5 1 0 6 3rd Lodge (structure –owned by J1 on M1 is for upkeep of Highways Agency, Sandwell MBC a key lighting gateway has an interest) scheme into the Listing grade: Grade II which it Borough At risk?: No installed Mile Post, approximately 40 metres north of tower of Christ Church, Birmingham Street, Oldbury H2 1 0 1 5 4 2 11 Description: circa 1800 Milepost =2nd 1st (a structure) Listing grade: Grade II At risk?: No Milestone, approximately 10 metres east of No. 136 Hill Top, Hill Top, Wednesbury H3 Description: circa 1800 Milestone 1 0 1 =2nd 3 2 2 7 2nd (a structure) Listing grade: Grade II At risk?: No
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Table 7: Council owned Registered Parks and Gardens ranked by Heritage Value and Impact on delivering the Council’s priorities Heritage value and Accessibility to the public impact on delivering priorities Park or Garden description and No Heritage Impact on total ranking total ranking Register status Location Public DDA value priorities score by score by (0-5) (0-5) (0-5) (0-10) (0-10) (0-20) priority (0-15) access Dartmouth Park, Reform Street, West Bromwich P2 7 9 16 5 5 4 14 Description: circa 1876 Public Park 1st 1st Registered Park: Grade II Victoria Park, Victoria Road, Tipton P4 Description: circa 1901 Public Park 7 8 15 =2nd 4 4 4 12 =3rd Registered Park: Grade II Warley Woods Park, Abbey Road, Smethwick 7 Description: 1790 –1819 Park HLF scheme will (public park – freehold owner upgrade P5 Birmingham Council, Sandwell MBC Park and 8 15 =2nd 4 5 4 13 2nd holds 99 year head lease, Warley restore the Woods Community Trust holds co- landscape terminus sub-lease) created by Humphrey Registered Park: Grade II Repton Brunswick Park, Wood Green Road, Wednesbury P1 7 7 14 4 4 4 12 Description: circa 1887 Public Park 4th =3rd Registered Park: Grade II
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Table 7: Council owned Registered Parks and Gardens ranked by Heritage Value and Impact on delivering the Council’s priorities Heritage value and Accessibility to the public impact on delivering priorities Park or Garden description and No Heritage Impact on total ranking total ranking Register status Location Public DDA value priorities score by score by (0-5) (0-5) (0-5) (0-10) (0-10) (0-20) priority (0-15) access Great Barr Hall, (Holly Wood), Handsworth Drive, Great Barr, West Bromwich P3 Description: Mid 18th Century Park 5 5 10 5th 2 5 3 10 5th (park land - Sandwell MBC has an interest in Holly Wood only) Registered Park: Grade II
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APPENDIX 3
Presentations from Council Officers
Monday, 13 September 2004
• The Museums Service Investment Strategy and Action Plan 2005 – 2008. Jacquie Blake • Schedule of Historic Buildings, Structures and Parks protected by Statutory Designation which are in the ownership of Sandwell MBC, or in which the Council has a leasehold or other interest. John Harden
Monday, 11 October 2004
• Draft Cultural Strategy 2005-08. Keith Heyes • Performance Management for Cultural Services. Jessica Harris
Monday, 8 November 2004
• Library and Information Service. Linda Saunders
Monday, 6 December, 2004
• Details of the selected examples of Historic Buildings, Structures and Parks protected by Statutory Designation in the freehold or leasehold ownership of the Council. John Harden
In attendance:
John Allen - Friends of Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery David Bryant - Smethwick Heritage Trust Sandra Carter - Friends of Oak House Derrick de Faye - West Bromwich Local History Society
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Monday, 10 January 2005
• Characterisation of the Historic Environment. John Harden/ Graham Eyre-Morgan.
Monday, 24 January 2005
• Information held by the Head of Corporate Property on Historic Buildings, Structures and Parks protected by Statutory Designation which are in the ownership of Sandwell MBC or in which the Council has an interest. Peter Manley
Monday, 3 February 2005
• Soho Foundry. Henry Whitehorne, Graham Eyre- Morgan.
Monday, 21 February 2005
• Marketing Sandwell's Heritage and Culture. Darren Caveney • Sandwell's Visitor Economy. Andy Bywater • Visitor Centres. John Satchwell • Public Library Position Statement 2004 - Assessment by Department of Media, Culture and Sport. Linda Saunders • Libraries – Relocations and Redevelopments. Linda Saunders • The Oak House/Barns. Jacquie Blake
In attendance:
Alderman B A James - Observer Ally Allerson - Director NDfC Greets Green Partnership Sandra Carter - Friends of Oak House
Monday, 14 March 2005
• Report back on the application, to six sample buildings and structures, of the criteria identified by the Select Committee
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to determine the Council’s priorities in respect of its heritage assets. Henry Whitehorne, Nigel Haynes
• The Arcade: Presentation of outline Private Finance Initiative Bid. Keith Heyes
In attendance:
Cllr John Edwards - Observer Ally Allerson - Greets Green Partnership Jack Beard - Friends of Haden Hill Estate John Allen - Friends of Sandwell Priory and Holy Well Sandra Carter - Friends of Oak House
Monday 11 April, 2005
• Report back on the application of the criteria identified by the Select Committee to determine the Council’s priorities in respect of its Heritage Assets. Henry Whitehorne, Nigel Haynes • Position Statement and Draft 10 Year Plan (2005/15) for the Community History and Archive Service. Linda Saunders • Heritage Collections Management Issues for Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council. Linda Saunders, Emma Cook
Monday, 16 May 2005
Report back on the Results of the "Scoring Exercise" on the application of the criteria identified by the Select Committee to determine the Council’s priorities in respect of its Heritage Assets. Henry Whitehorne, Nigel Haynes
In attendance:
Cllr Bob Badham - Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport Cllr Ian Jones - Cabinet Member for Schools and Educational Achievement
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Archaeology in Sandwell – Graham Eyre-Morgan
Monday, 23 May 2005
• Bid for World Heritage Status for Black Country Canals - Alan Winser • Heritage Parks (Listed Parks) - John Satchwell • Conservation Areas – Henry Whitehorne, Nigel Haynes
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APPENDIX 4
Presentations From Outside Organisations
Monday, 10 January 2005
• "Chain Shop" – Temple Meadow Primary School, Cradley Heath – Head Teacher, Mrs N J Ridge. Presentation on the way the School has used the Chain Shop to deliver elements of the national curriculum.
Monday, 24 January 2005
• Kathy Gee, Chief Executive, Museums, Libraries and Archives West Midlands Presentation on the national and regional priorities for Museums, Libraries and Archives and the contribution of local authorities to these priorities. • Hazel Cartledge Education Outreach Officer Birmingham City Council Museums and Art Galleries Presentation on the resourcing of, the work of, the promotion of and the marketing of Soho House Museum and how the museum's heritage assets contribute to the cultural life of local communities.
Thursday, 3 February 2005
• Ian Walden, Director, The Black Country Living Museum Presentation on the work of, the promotion of and the marketing of the museum and on how the museum's heritage assets contribute to the cultural life of local communities.
Monday, 21 February, 2005
• Sanjay Sharma RegenCo Paper on future Plans for Soho Foundry
In attendance:
Dave Willets - Corporate Property Division
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Monday, 11 April, 2005
• Mr Chris Smith, Director English Heritage, West Midlands Region Presentation on the work of English Heritage in the West Midland Region and how it has contributed in the past and how it can contribute in the future to the development of Sandwell's heritage assets.
Monday, 23 May, 2005
• Sarah Middleton, Chief Executive, Black Country Consortium, Penny Russell, Tourism Development Officer, Dudley MBC Bid for World Heritage Status for Black Country Canals.
Monday, 27 June, 2005
• Ms Anne Jenkins, Regional Director, Heritage Lottery Fund Presentation on the work of the Heritage Lottery Fund in the West Midlands Region.
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APPENDIX 5
Programme of Visits
The Sandwell Priory and Holly Well and The Manor House, West Bromwich on Wednesday, 10 November 2004.
The Oak House, West Bromwich and Cobbs Engine House, Warrens Hall/ Windmill End on Monday, 15 November 2004.
Ingestre Hall, Staffordshire on Thursday, 18 November 2004.
The "Tudor Hall" in the grounds of Haden Hall on Thursday, 25 November 2004.
Sandwell Park Farm; external viewing of Hill House, Dagger Lane, West Bromwich; Forge Mill Farm; Galton Valley Visitors Centre on Friday, 4 February 2005.
Travelling along the Canals Network along Old Main Line Canal through Tipton to Oldbury stopping at Coronation Gardens, Tividale Quays and Brades Locks; Summit Bridge, Smethwick stopping at Steward Aqueduct, Spon Lane Junction, Sandwell Park Colliery coal chutes and Summit Bridge; Smethwick Pumping Station; Galton Valley Canal Heritage Centre; Smethwick Locks to Smethwick Junction; New Main Line, Tipton, stopping at Galton Bridge, Chance’s Glassworks, Pudding Green Junction, Netherton Tunnel branch, Factory Locks on Thursday 14 April, 2005.
Forum items on that date:
• The History of Sandwell’s Canals led by Malcolm Freeman; • Sandwell’s canals in the national context and the “forgotten” canals in Sandwell led by Ivor Caplin; • the role of nature conservation in the Canal Heritage Area led by Paul Smith; • Community involvement and development in the Canal Heritage area led by Don Shipman, Tony Brindle and Alan West; • British Waterways Heritage and Tourism Strategies and initiatives led by Alex Downes.
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APPENDIX 6
Membership of Select Committee On Heritage and Culture: Phase 1 2004/05 - Heritage
Councillor Mrs James (Chair); Councillors Blyth, Evans, Mrs L R Horton, M Hughes and S L Smith. Liberal Democrat Substitute Member - Councillor A Underhill. Conservative Substitute Member - Councillor Ward.
Officer Support: Keith Heyes Jessica Harris Pat Seddon Richard Ebanks
Regular recipients of agendas and papers:
Councillor Thomas (Leader of the Council); Councillors Eling and Mrs Hinton (Deputy Leaders of the Council); Councillor Edwards (Chair of the Scrutiny Management Board); Councillor R Price (Chair of the Youth and Community Services Scrutiny Panel); Councillor S L Smith (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group of Councillors); Councillor Bissell (Leader of the Conservative Group of Councillors).
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APPENDIX 7
Contextual Documents
The Audit Commission report on Cultural Services (including Heritage, Parks and Open Spaces, Museums and Arts, Libraries, and Leisure).
Sandwell’s Leisure and Culture Strategy, ‘Strong Heritage, Exciting Future’.
‘The Arcade’ - A Learning and Cultural Quarter for Sandwell – The Vision and Prospectus and the Private Finance Initiative Expression of Interest – Proposal.
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APPENDIX 8
List of organisations which responded to consultation
Advantage West Midlands – Jim Johnston, Tourism & Leisure Cluster Manager Black Country Canals World Heritage Bid – Penny Russell, Dudley MBC Black Country Consortium – Piers Waterston, Black Country Study Team British Waterways – Graham Bailey, Environment, Design & Heritage Manager Cradley Heath Action Forum – Alderman B.A. James Friends of Oak House & Barns – Sandra Carter, Chair Friends of Red House Park – Jenny Hale, Secretary Friends of Wednesbury Museum & Art Gallery / Friends of Wednesbury Civic Society – John Allen MLA West Midlands – Geoff Warren Mrs. D.M. Round Sandwell Traders Association – Peter Griffin Smethwick Heritage Centre – David Bryant, Chair Smethwick Local History Society – Mary Bodfish, Chair Cllr. W.H. Thomas – Leader of Sandwell MBC Tipton Civic Society – Keith Hodgkins West Bromwich Local History Society – Derrick de Faye West Bromwich Local History Society / Pauper Memorial Working Group – Mrs. Moreen Wilkes, Chair West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust – Alan Smith, Chair Wildlife Trust for Birmingham & the Black Country – Neil Wyatt, Chief Executive
For more information contact:
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Principal Officer – Cultural Policy Cultural Services Division, Sandwell MBC, Environment House Lombard Street West Bromwich West Midlands, B70 8RU.
Tel: 0121 569 4705 Fax: 0121 569 4704 www.sandwell.gov.uk
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