Historic Towns and Cities in England’s Northwest · identify the 5 towns/cities which would be...

Historic Towns and Cities inEngland’s Northwest:Position Statement

March 2007

ContentsHistoric Towns and Cities in England’s Northwest: Position Statement

1. Introduction and Purpose 1

2. Process 2

3. Strategic Context 3

Annex A - Consultants’ spatialpriorities map

17

4. Vison and Strategic Development Priorities

4

Carlisle 5

Chester 8

Lancaster 13

Page

1

1. Introduction and Purpose

1.1 Key Activity 10.3 of the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) 2003 called for the development and implementation of a Regional Tourism Strategy and action plan aimed at improving the region's tourism offer and its take up. The RES Action Plan stated that aninitial study would be undertaken "to establish the potential for identifying a small number of historic towns and cities as strategic priorities for tourism infrastructure and product development" (Major Action 10.3.5).

1.2 Taking forward this action, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and English Heritage jointly commissioned EDAW and Locum Consulting in October 2004 to undertake the Historic Towns and Cities in England’s Northwest Study.

1.3 The project brief set out the purpose of the study “to identify a small number of towns and cities within the Northwest of England as strategic priorities for long-term heritage related tourism infrastructure and product development where these can stimulate economic growth and deliver wider regeneration benefits”.

1.4 The study was based on the recognition that the historic environment can be an important driver of economic growth. Whilst this relationship is typically thought of in terms of the role of heritage in attracting tourism, it was important that the study identified the wider role that the historic environment can play in supporting economic development and regeneration.

1.5 The final report of the consultants was received in October 2005. It was issued to key partners on 5 December 2005 and was made publicly available on the NWDA’s website. It is intended that the report of the consultants should be read alongside this Position Statement. During October and November 2006 a draft Position Statement on Historic Towns and Cities was circulated for consultation. The NWDA and English Heritage have carefully considered all comments received, and where appropriate, they have been incorporated into this Position Statement.

1.6 The Position Statement has been prepared to set out the formal position of the NWDA and English Heritage in relation to the consultants’ recommendations. It provides a basis to inform the regional, sub-regional and local policy agendas and to guide future investment decisions.

1.7 The NWDA and English Heritage are not making any financial commitments in endorsing this Position Statement. Where there may be a funding requirement, projects will be considered on a case by case basis in the context of RES Actions and sub-regional priorities.

1.8 A further purpose of the study is to promote models of good practice that could be adopted by other historic towns and cities in the region. The NWDA and English Heritage believe that the approaches set out in the individual cases highlighted hereare ones that could usefully be applied elsewhere. In addition, there is potential for the stakeholders in the places that are the focus of this study to share information and good practice, as initiatives derived from this report are taken forward.

2

2. Process

2.1 The consultants developed a list of 20 candidate towns and cities across the region. The cities of Manchester and Liverpool were excluded from consideration given the extensiverange of initiatives underway. Similarly, the region’s coastal resorts were also excluded from consideration given that they were the focus of the Agency-led New Vision for Northwest Coastal Resorts (2003).

2.2 The list of candidate towns was submitted to the NWDA and English Heritage to considerthe suggested nominations and recommend any additional towns for consideration. From this, 15 towns/cities were identified and the relevant local authorities were invited topresent the case for their identified town/city at a workshop event attended by sub-regional partnerships, tourist boards, county councils and other key partners.

2.3 Following the initial workshop event, the consultants employed a criteria-based assessment to identify the 5 towns/cities which would be the focus of the study. The criteria related to heritage assets, development potential and local conditions. Details of the criteria used and the assessment are given in the consultants’ report (p9 and pp65-69).

2.4 The 5 towns/cities identified to be the focus of the study were:• Chester• Carlisle• Bolton• Lancaster• Birkenhead

2.5 The next stage of the process involved holding a half-day workshop in each of the 5 identified towns/cities. The workshop sessions were used to inform the development of a vision and the identification of strategic development priorities required to realise the vision.

Table 1 – the 15 local authorities who presented the case for the identification of their town/city at the initial workshop event

Sub-Region Town/City Local Authority

Cheshire Chester Chester City CouncilCrewe Crewe and Nantwich Borough CouncilNorthwich Vale Royal Borough Council

Cumbria Barrow-in-Furness Barrow-in-Furness Borough CouncilCarlisle Carlisle City CouncilCockermouth Allerdale Borough Council

Greater Manchester Bolton Bolton Metropolitan Borough CouncilOldham Oldham Metropolitan Borough CouncilStockport Stockport Metropolitan Borough CouncilWigan Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council

Lancashire Blackburn Blackburn with Darwen Borough CouncilLancaster Lancaster City CouncilPreston Preston City Council

Merseyside Birkenhead Wirral Metropolitan Borough CouncilSt Helens St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council

3

3. Strategic context

Regional Economic Strategy 2006

The RES 2006 provides a supportive context for taking forward the recommendations of theHistoric Towns and Cities in England’s Northwest study. It recognises that “the Northwest’snatural and built heritage assets contribute enormously to the quality of life in the region”, ofwhich its historic centres are prime examples (p45). Action 115 identifies the potential todeliver sustainable growth through use of the region’s heritage environment and assets.Transformational Action 55 seeks to capitalise on ongoing private investment around Chester,Lancaster and Carlisle to build on the particular opportunities of these cities including thedevelopment of a critical mass of knowledge based business. In addition, there exist a rangeof actions and transformational actions within the RES 2006 which function in acomplementary way to provide a supportive context for the realisation of the study objectives.These are detailed in the subsequent tables for the towns/cities.

Regional Spatial Strategy

The draft Regional Spatial Strategy provides a supportive policy context. It seeks toencourage plans, strategies, proposals and schemes to deliver improved economic growthand quality of life through sustainable tourism activity in the Northwest and identifies Chester,Carlisle, Bolton, Lancaster and Birkenhead as a focus for heritage related tourismdevelopment (Policy W6 – Tourism and the Visitor Economy).

English Heritage

‘The Historic Environment: A Force for Our Future’ (DCMS, 2001) recognised the value of thehistoric environment in regeneration and economic development. It called for policy-makersto regard the historic environment as a catalyst for renewal, design, and development.

The importance of heritage as an economic driver

The consultants’ study recognised that the key rationale for investing in heritage in theregion’s towns and cities is that heritage provides the stimulus to economic activity.

The role of heritage in supporting economic development is most clearly definable in termsof the visitor economy. Heritage tourism is a leading motivator of day trips in the UK. In 1999,historic properties attracted 79 million visits and museums and galleries a further 77 millionvisits1 . The UK Tourism Survey estimates that 14% of all domestic trips involve ‘heritagesightseeing’, defined as visits to historic properties, churches and monuments. A further 7%of trips were estimated to involve visits to museums, galleries and exhibitions.

The unique sense of place which historic towns and cities have supports the economy.People value the sense of place which a historic built environment creates. Well maintainedhistoric centres prove attractive locations where a quality retail, leisure and food/drink offercan develop.

Historic towns and cities typically rank highly in terms of quality of life and prove attractivelocations to live, work and invest. These factors combine to make them attractive locations forthe knowledge based and creative industries. Chester is an example – its high quality imageas an historic city is a key component in its economic success as a centre for the financialand business services sector and as a high quality residential location.

1 Olding, S. (2000) ‘Funding Heritage’, Insights - the Tourism Marketing Intelligence Service, vol.12.

4

4. Vision and strategic development priorities

4.1 The consultants undertook a SWOT analysis of each of the 5 identified towns and cities and developed a vision for how each town/city could more fully realise its heritage assets. A series of projects were identified which would support the realisation of the vision – strategic development priorities and complementary projects. The strategic development priorities were those projects which the consultants considered would deliver the greatest impact. The complementary projects were those projects identified inthe workshop events as being possible enhancements of the heritage-based visitor offer.

4.2 The consultants’ recommendations for each of the five towns/ cities have been considered very carefully. Carlisle, Chester and Lancaster are considered to have a good strategic fit with the RES, particularly Transformational Action 55 and Action 115. The Position Statement sets out the suggested response of the NWDA and English Heritage in relation to each of the identified strategic development priorities and complementary projects within these towns. In most cases, the NWDA and English Heritage consider that the focus on the identified strategic development priorities is correct in terms of delivering the greatest economic development and regeneration impact. The majority of the complementary projects are not of strategic importance and are therefore more appropriate for local authorities and other partners to consider. A number of the complementary projects are however given support in this Position Statement where it is considered they relate closely to the strategic development priorities.

4.3 With respect to Birkenhead and Bolton, there is a need for further discussion with the respective local authorities. It is understood that circumstances have changed in Birkenhead since the study was prepared, and a number of new projects are now being proposed, which would benefit from a comprehensive approach. In relation to Bolton, it isconsidered that the consultants’ vision and strategic development priorities require further consideration. A response to the consultants’ detailed recommendations is not therefore included in this document.

4.4 The maps prepared by the consultants which display the priorities spatially are included at Annex A. The subsequent tables set out the formal position on each of the consultants’recommended projects and the maps are included for the purposes of reference only.

5

Carlisle

The consultants’ believe that Carlisle should capitalise on its medieval street plan to createthe ambience of a highly attractive heritage city. In the medium term, a key element of thiswould be reducing the width of the Inner Ring Road and calming it and developing the Castlefor more visitor-oriented activity. Another key element would be the continued upgrading ofTullie House as a hub location on Hadrian’s Wall.

Project

Reduce impact of innerring road

Heritage/ CathedralQuarter

2 This terminology is taken from the consultants’ report for ease of reference. It refers to projects which are considered tobe of strategic and regional significance

Consultants’recommendation

Reducing the impact ofthe inner ring roadbetween city centre andCastle by downgrading theroute following thecompletion of the reliefroad. New pedestriancrossings should beintroduced, possiblyincluding a public spacewhich spans the roadbetween Castle Street andthe Castle area.

Development of aCathedral Quarter, mixingecclesiastical buildingswith new residential andleisure activity. Use thedevelopment to open up anew route through to thetown walls on West Wallsfrom Castle Street.

RES support

• Transformational Action 101 – Improve the product associated with the region’s tourism ‘signature projects’.

• Action 115 – Deliver sustainable growth through use of the region’s heritage environments and assets – especially … Carlisle.

• Transformational Action 119 – Invest in quality public realm, green space and environmental quality focused on … tourism ‘signature projects’.

• Transformational Action 55 – Develop plans to capitalise on ongoing private sector investmentaround … Carlisle.

• Transformational Action 101 – see above.

• Action 115 – see above.

• Transformational Action119 – see above.

NWDA and EH response

Agreed. A critical shortterm priority which mustbe addressed irrespectiveof other proposals.Cumbria County Council todevelop proposals inpartnership with CarlisleCity Council.

NWDA and EH to informpolicy through any input tothe preparation of theCumbria Local TransportPlan, relevant LocalDevelopment Documentsand other strategies.

Carlisle Renaissance torefine boundary andidentify a wider HeritageQuarter, taking intoaccount the consultants’recommendation inconsultation with EH andNWDA.

NWDA and EH to informpolicy through any input tothe preparation of relevantLocal DevelopmentDocuments and otherstrategies.

Strategic Development Priorities2

6

Carlisle

Project Consultants’recommendation

RES support NWDA and EH response

Strategic Development Priorities

Potential Hadrian’s Wallhub

Carlisle Castle

Public realmenhancement –Crescent and CourtSquare

Enhancing the role of thecity in telling the story ofHadrian’s Wall and actingas a key hub, in particularthrough furtherdevelopment of TullieHouse.

Development of the Castleas a key destination withimproved visitor facilities.

High quality public realmenhancement of theCrescent and Court Squareto provide a world classenvironment on entering thecity by rail (and road fromthe south).










Agreed. CarlisleRenaissance and Hadrian’sWall ManagementOrganisation also toconsider the improvementand interpretation ofHadrian’s Wall Path (thewider role of Tullie House inCarlisle’s cultural offershould be recognised).


Agreed. EH to considerrecommendation anddevelop proposals inpartnership with NWDA.


Agreed. Cumbria CountyCouncil and Carlisle CityCouncil to developproposals and fundingmechanisms in the contextof a wider public realmstrategy for Carlisle.


7

Carlisle



Complementary Projects

Illumination of keybuildings

West Walls gatewaypoint

Reinterpretation of CityGates

Scotch Gateredevelopment

Enhancement of keylinks

Encourage greater retail-led animation

Architectural lighting of citywalls and key buildings inthe city centre.

Possible new park alongWest Walls to enhancesetting of town walls andprovide attractive drop offpoint for a potential parkand ride scheme.

Reinterpretation of the CityGates – English Gate, IrishGate and Scotch Gate –through sculpture or publicrealm improvements.

Potential redevelopment ofCity Council offices as partof a review of built form inNE corner of the towncentre and roundabout toform a ‘Scotch GateMasterplan’.

Enhancement of key linkswithin the town.

Encouragement of the useof the main square as anevent location includingcontinuing and expandingthe Christmas Market.






Agreed. CarlisleRenaissance to considerfurther.

Agreed. CarlisleRenaissance to considerfurther.Drop off point notconsidered to be feasible.NWDA and EH to informpolicy through any input tothe preparation of theCumbria Local TransportPlan, relevant LocalDevelopment Documentsand other strategies.

Not considered to be ofstrategic regionalimportance to therealisation of the vision.Local partners to considerfurther.

Not considered to be ofstrategic regionalimportance to the historiccore of the city. Localpartners to consider further.



8

Chester

The consultants’ believe that Chester is the one city/town in the region that has the potentialto compete in the international league for small heritage cities of top-notch quality. This isbecause of the quality and distinctiveness of its heritage, which is exceptional. HoweverChester cannot afford to rest on its laurels. The major retail developments in Manchester andLiverpool provide increasing competition. Some of its tourism infrastructure is looking a littletired, and there are major parts of it that are not effectively utilised.

Project

Top quality culturalinfrastructure

Culture Park


Consultants’recommendation

A top quality culturalinfrastructure – this couldbe visual and/orperformance arts, venue orprogramme.

Development of the CulturePark concept over perhaps(in the short term, at least) amore focused area, perhapscovering the central areaand the riverfront to thesouth of the centre.

RES support

• Transformational Action 55 - Develop plans to capitalise on ongoing private sector investmentaround … Chester.

• Action 97 - Develop the appeal, distinctiveness and diversity of the ‘Cultural Offer’ in the Northwest.

• Transformational Action 101 – Improve the product associated with the region’s tourism ‘attack brands’.

• Action 115 – Deliver sustainable growth through use of the region’s heritage environments and assets – especially … Chester.





• Transformational Action 119 – Invest in quality public realm, green space and environmental quality focused on … tourism ‘attack brands’.

NWDA and EH response

Agreed. Sub-regionalpartners to identifypotential projects fordiscussion with fundingagencies, including HLF.

Sub-regional partners todevelop a prioritisedapproach in light of theconsultants’recommendations.

NWDA and EH to informpolicy through any inputsto the preparation ofrelevant LocalDevelopment Documentsand other strategies.

Strategic Development Priorities 2

9

Chester




Castle mixed usedevelopment

Reduce impact of innerring road

Roman Amphitheatre

Mixed use development ofthe Castle with the creationof a ‘world class’ publicspace in the forecourt to actas an events location forChester.

Explore the potential toreduce the impact of theinner ring road on sensitivesites and key attractionssuch as the Castle,Amphitheatre and watersidearea. In particular review thepossibility of closing orseverely restricting trafficaccess along UnionSt/Vicars Lane to improvethe setting of the RomanAmphitheatre and improvepedestrian links to this fromthe centre.

Innovative thinking on howto present the RomanAmphitheatre. A radical ideawould be to build a modernamphitheatre over theremains with the remainsdisplayed and interpretedbelow.












• Action 120 – Understand the economic case for, and promote, good design ensuring project developers and managers provide strong client leadership.

Agreed. Sub-regionalpartners to developproposal for potentialnational HLF funding, andconsider the feasibility of aworld class public space.


Agreed. Cheshire CountyCouncil to consider inpartnership with ChesterCity Council.

NWDA and EH to informpolicy through any input tothe preparation of theCheshire Local TransportPlan, relevant LocalDevelopment Documentsand other strategies.

Agreed. Sub-regionalpartners to developproposals and explorefunding.


10

Chester




Retail core - public realmimprovements

Rail Gateway

Thematic Gateways

General improvement ofpublic realm quality andmaintenance within thecentre, routes to includeNorthgate St, Bridge St,Grosvenor St,Watergate/Watergate St andSt Werburgh St.

Refurbishment/redevelopment of the main train stationto create a high qualitygateway to the City.

The creation of thematicgateways to the city’s offer –Roman, Norman, Medievaland Victorian – using keyassets from these periodsto attract visitors thensignposting other assetsfrom these periods aroundthe city.









Agreed. Cheshire CountyCouncil and Chester CityCouncil to developproposals and fundingmechanisms.

NWDA and EH to informpolicy through any input tothe preparation of theCheshire Local TransportPlan, relevant LocalDevelopment Documentsand other strategies.

Agreed. Sub-regionalpartners to develop fundingproposals.

NWDA and EH to informpolicy through any input tothe preparation of theCheshire Local TransportPlan, relevant LocalDevelopment Documentsand other strategies



11

Chester




Visitor centres for keyattractions

Enhancement of keyroutes

Review of built formbetween station and citycentre

Improve Castle / coachpark link

Designate key eventspaces

The development of visitorcentres for key attractions,probably connected withthe Gateway approachabove, such as the Rows,the City Walls and theAmphitheatre/Archaeologyactivity.

The enhancement of keyroutes from the main trainstation to the centre – BrookStreet and CityRoad/Foregate/Eastgate.

Review of built formbetween station and citycentre to include theplanned redevelopment ofGorse Stacks.

Improved links from thecoach park to the NormanCastle.

The designation of keyevent spaces, encouragingyear-round use to animatethe City’s street life andstrengthen its cultural offer.






12

Chester




Chain of public artprojects

Distinctive niche retailoffer

A chain of public artprojects which raise theprofile of Chester as acentre for contemporary artof an international standing.

Encouragement of adistinctive niche retail offerwithin a defined quarteradjacent to the Cathedral.



13

Lancaster



Strategic Development Priorities 2

Lancaster Castle

Reduce severanceimpact of A6 loop

Enhancement of ChurchStreet

In the short term, workwithin the existingconstraints to make more ofthe Castle’s potentialthrough events andinterpretation. Undertake anassessment of the potentialfor internal reconfigurationso that the areas of mostsignificant interest arepublicly accessible. Ideallythis would involve relocatingthe visitor entrance to theGatehouse. In the longterm, find a publiclyaccessible use for theCastle.

Reduce the severanceimpact of traffic on the A6loop through the city centre.This could includepedestrian prioritymeasures at key junctionssuch as Market Street andChurch Street.

Enhancement of ChurchStreet throughpedestrianisation and theapplication of ‘world class’public realm improvements.

• Action 115 – Deliver sustainable growth through use of the region’s heritage environments and assets – especially … Lancaster.


• Transformational Action 119 – Invest in quality public realm, green space and environmental quality focused on tourism key arrival points.

• Transformational Action 55 - Develop plans to capitalise on ongoing private sector investment around … Lancaster.


Lancaster Vision to developany proposals inconsultation with the Duchyof Lancaster, and otherinterested parties.


Agreed. Lancashire CountyCouncil to developproposals in partnershipwith Lancaster City Council.

NWDA and EH to informpolicy through any input tothe preparation of theLancashire Local TransportPlan, relevant LocalDevelopment Documentsand other strategies.

Agreed. Lancashire CountyCouncil and Lancaster CityCouncil to developproposals and fundingmechanisms.

NWDA and EH to informpolicy through any input tothe preparation of theLancashire Local TransportPlan, relevant LocalDevelopment Documentsand other strategies.

The consultants’ vision for Lancaster is to build on its Georgian heritage to position itself asthe ‘Bath of the North’. The quality and style of the Georgian heritage should be used as abackdrop to a stylish and distinctive retail and leisure activity.


14

Lancaster




Celebrate the ‘GeorgianGem’ theme

Castle Quarter park /event space

St George’s Quayenhancement

Canalsideredevelopment

Marketing of the ‘GeorgianGem’ theme.

The creation of a new parkfor the city centre as part ofthe Castle Quarter,combining Vicarage Fieldswith the adjacent sportsground to connect theCastle and Priory with StGeorge’s Quay.

Public realm improvementsalong the riverfront at StGeorge’s Quay,encouraging more activeground floor uses andintegrating with theLuneside urban village.

Review developmentopportunities in canalsidelocations to use the canalas a connecting rather thandividing element within theCity Centre. New usescould include watersideapartments, hotels,restaurants and bars.











Agreed. Lancaster Visionand sub-regional partnersto develop.

Agreed. Lancaster Vision todevelop proposals inpartnership with LancasterCity Council. NWDA and EHto consider.


Agreed. Lancaster Vision todevelop proposals inpartnership with LancashireCounty Council.


Agreed. Lancaster Vision todevelop proposals inpartnership with LancasterCity Council.


15

Lancaster





Review of built form –Moor Lane area

Enhancement of MarketStreet

Development ofLuneside urban village

Review of built form andnew development of thehighest modernarchitectural quality withinthe city centre expansionarea to form the anchorpoint to both the newCanalside Quarter and thecity’s retail core.

The enhancement of thesquare on Market Street in asimilar style to ChurchStreet.

The development of theLuneside urban village toextend and enhance theoffer of the Quayside,carrying on the watersideroute. High quality newdevelopment andrefurbishment of historicbuildings can provide newmixed-use accommodation,increasing the watersideactivity through new cafesand restaurants.







Recommendation not clear.

Agreed. Lancashire CountyCouncil and Lancaster CityCouncil to developproposals and fundingmechanisms.


Agreed. Lancaster Vision toconsider further.


16

Lancaster




Refurbishment ofStorey’s Institute

Castle Quarter park -visitor facilities

Enhance Castle Quarter/ rail station links

Public realmenhancement along keyroutes

Enhance St George’sQuay / city centre links

Develop Park & Ride link

Refurbishment of the listedStorey’s Institute to create aquality cultural facility andstrengthen the visitor offer ofthe Castle Quarter.

The development of pavilionstructures within the newpark could provide apurpose built modern visitorcentre for the Priory, Castleand Roman Fort.

Improved links from CastleQuarter to train station.

Public realm enhancementalong key routes in the‘Georgian Quarter’ – KingStreet, Market Street andPenny Street.

Improved links from StGeorge’s Quay back to citycentre.

Possible development of apark & ride link which candouble as a tourist publictransport link withWilliamson Park.


• Action 97 – Develop the appeal, distinctiveness and diversity of the ‘Cultural Offer’ in the Northwest.





Agreed. Lancaster Vision toconsider further.


Agree. This should form anintegral part of the creationof the Castle Quarter park /event space – see above.


Not considered to be ofstrategic importance to therealisation of the vision.Local partners to considerfurther.



17

Annex A: Consultants’ Spatial Priorities Maps

The following maps were prepared by the consultants to display the vision and strategicdevelopment priorities spatially.

They are included for the purposes of reference only.

Carlisle

18

Chester

Annex A: Consultants’ Spatial Priorities Maps

19

Lancaster

21

This document can be made available in large print, braille,Bengali, Chinese, Gujarati, Somali, Urdu and Hindi.Please contact the Marketing Department on 01925 400 100.

NWDA H3-10

March 2007

The Northwest Regional Development Agency PO Box 37Renaissance HouseCentre ParkWarrington WA1 1XBTel: +44 (0)1925 400 100Fax: +44 (0)1925 400 400

www.nwda.co.ukwww.englandsnorthwest.comwww.visitenglandsnorthwest.com

Printed on Zanders Mega Matt

English HeritageNorth West Region Canada House 3 Chepstow Street Manchester, M1 5FW Tel: +44 (0)161 242 1400Fax: +44 (0)161 242 1401

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Historic Towns and Cities in England’s Northwest · identify the 5 towns/cities which would be...

Documents

Transcript of Historic Towns and Cities in England’s Northwest · identify the 5 towns/cities which would be...