Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has officially launched its new 10-year Heritage Strategy – the first for our council, setting out a long-term vision to protect, celebrate and invest in the borough’s rich and diverse heritage for future generations.
The strategy has been shaped through extensive engagement, with over 10,000 people consulted, including residents, community groups, heritage organisations, schools, businesses and other stakeholders. The Heritage Strategy provides a clear framework for action over the next decade, ensuring unique historic places, landscapes, traditions and stories are cared for and shared in ways that reflect what heritage means to the people of the borough.
Speaking at the launch, the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council, Councillor Mary O’Dowd, said:
“This Heritage Strategy is a significant milestone for our borough. Our heritage tells the story of who we are, where we have come from and what makes our places special. I am particularly encouraged by the scale of consultation carried out, ensuring that local voices are at the heart of this strategy.
“This 10-year vision will help us protect our heritage assets while unlocking their potential to strengthen communities, support wellbeing and contribute to sustainable economic growth. I look forward to seeing these plans brought to life across the borough.”
Council will work with key partners across the heritage sector to identify and deliver on opportunities to realise the vision within the strategy over the coming months and years.
The programme of activity includes the introduction of a small heritage grants scheme, the establishment of a heritage network, the development of a strategy for green and blue spaces, and support for key UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) related projects, including Navan Fort and Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.
Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said:
“Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. Our Heritage Places investment is designed for heritage to forge strong connections and be integral to local life – making better places to live, work and visit.
It’s about partnership and collaboration and I’d like to commend the Council’s project team on the breadth and depth of consultation they undertook with people across the Borough to shape this heritage strategy which provides a strong foundation for investment, engagement and delivery.”
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough is the first place in Northern Ireland to be designated as a Heritage Place followed by Belfast Historic Waterfront led by Maritime Belfast Trust. Heritage Places is a UK-wide strategic initiative made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery Players. This 10-year commitment seeks to unlock the potential of local heritage, igniting imagination, pride and inspiration across Heritage Places throughout the UK.
Read the ABC Heritage Strategy here.
