A map detailing more than 200 local heritage assets identified by residents has been launched alongside a report detailing 12 months’ of community and heritage sector consultation in Medway.
The launch follows the completion of the first year of the Medway Heritage Place project, a partnership with The National Lottery Heritage Fund to unlock the potential for heritage in Medway. The project aims to support Medway’s heritage community to shape a long-term shared ambition for heritage, strengthen Medway’s existing heritage offer and support local communities to celebrate Medway’s people, places and stories.
The Medway Heritage Audit report highlights the impressive diversity of Medway’s heritage, its national and global connections and identifies opportunities to focus on the River Medway and Medway’s cultural heritage to support the visitor economy and engage wider audiences. It also makes a number of recommendations including investment in sector skills, infrastructure and partnerships to continue to grow the impact of heritage in Medway.
The Medway Heritage Map contains more than 200 local heritage assets identified by local people, including boats, historic landscapes, personal collections and cultural traditions. Residents are encouraged to continue to develop the map by submitting heritage that is important to them and their communities.
Together, the map and report will help to inform a new heritage strategy for Medway, as well as future Heritage Place initiatives over the next decade. Anyone interested in helping with the development of the new strategy is encouraged to sign up Medway’s Culture and Heritage mailing list for future updates and opportunities to participate.
Both initiatives were launched earlier this month at the Medway History Showcase, Medway’s annual celebration of local history. During the event, Medway Council also launched a series of workshops aimed at supporting those who work or volunteer in the heritage industry. The workshops will provide an opportunity to network and learn new skills, and anyone with an idea for a heritage project is encouraged to attend. You can find out more about the workshops on our website.
Rich and diverse heritage
Cllr Nina Gurung, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure, said: “It was fantastic to launch the Medway Heritage Audit and Medway Heritage Map at the Medway History Showcase, and to invite local people to share the heritage that matters to them. The Medway Heritage Audit highlights our rich and diverse heritage – from cultural traditions and natural landscapes to museums, collections and the important work of local volunteers.
“We are excited to continue to work with Medway’s heritage community, and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, to build on our successes and take forward the report’s recommendations through to a new Medway Heritage Strategy.”
Exciting step forward
Stuart McLeod, Director of London and South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Medway’s heritage is rich, diverse and deeply rooted in the stories of its people and places. We’re proud to be working with Medway Council and many other local partners to unlock the potential of heritage through our Heritage Places initiative. The launch of the Medway Heritage Map and the findings of this report mark an exciting step forward. This continued commitment to Medway’s heritage will inspire pride, strengthen identity and support regeneration across the area.”
The Medway Heritage Audit, Medway Heritage Map and workshops were funded as part of a ten-year relationship with The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of their Heritage Place initiative where up to 20 places across the UK will benefit from £200million of investment. The initiative responds to local need and opportunity, supporting places to use heritage too build pride in place, inspire local communities and power regeneration.
The Medway Heritage Place programme is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lotter players, we are able to bring Medway’s stories to life in new ways for new audiences.