Lancaster City Council is inviting comments from members of the public and businesses on its draft Cultural Heritage Strategy.
The strategy is a guide to investment in the district’s cultural heritage over the next ten years, and is accompanied by an assessment of the economic impact that investment in our heritage could achieve.
Development of the strategy was overseen by a steering group of officers from Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council, the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board and the North West Development Agency. It sets out a number of key objectives for Lancaster’s heritage that all partners need to work towards, including managing Lancaster’s Georgian buildings, improving the existing heritage offer and developing the castle as a must-see attraction, raising the profile of Lancaster and promoting it as a modern heritage city.
The strategy also recognises the value of heritage to the identity of Morecambe and the district as a whole.
A draft action plan has been drawn up which also considers the sources of funding available to implement each of the schemes or projects identified within the strategy.
“Lancaster currently has a low profile as a heritage destination,” notes Coun Abbott Bryning, cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration “and the Cultural Heritage Strategy highlights the need for improvements to the public realm and heritage offer in order to encourage more visitors to our district, as well as making it a more attractive place to live and work.
“This is a chance for local people to have their say on an important issue that could bring huge economic and social benefits to the Lancaster district”.
The council is keen to hear the views of residents, businesses, and visitors on the draft strategy.
Funding for the strategy development was provided by Lancaster District Local Strategic Partnership and the North West Development Agency.
• The strategy and supporting documents are available to view online at www.lancaster.gov.uk/cultural-heritage and in customer service centres at Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls and central libraries.
• Comments can be made either by email to planningadminteam@lancaster.gov.uk or in writing to: Cultural Heritage Strategy, Regeneration and Policy Service, Lancaster City Council, PO Box 4, Town Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster LA1 1QR.
• The closing date for comments is Friday 4th February 4 2011