Heritage Strategy - Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Chapter 1: Introduction
1. introduction
This is the first <strong>Heritage</strong> <strong>Strategy</strong> produced for <strong>Stockton</strong>-on-Tees and forms an important
part of celebrating our wealth of heritage assets, the projects we have delivered and are
currently initiating. This <strong>Strategy</strong> is about recognising the work of us all in helping to
interpret, conserve, increase access to and understanding of our historic environment. This
<strong>Strategy</strong> allows us all to celebrate and appreciate the heritage we have in the Borough. It
allows us to understand more clearly how we manage and protect our heritage. It finally
allows us to consider the importance of our heritage and our commitment to conserving,
interpreting and promoting it.
<strong>Heritage</strong> is a word that encompasses many aspects and in this <strong>Strategy</strong> we have included
the cultural, built and natural environment of <strong>Stockton</strong>. This <strong>Strategy</strong> looks at our buildings,
towns, museums, parks and natural landscapes / waterways and wildlife sites, collections of
manuscripts, books and maps, archaeological sites and history celebrated through art,
festivals and community projects.
The responsibility for valuing <strong>Stockton</strong>’s heritage rests with us all. Therefore, an important
element of this <strong>Strategy</strong> is that it will continue to evolve and develop with on-going
comment, recommendations and news of new projects from communities and societies.
The <strong>Strategy</strong> will be available on-line on the <strong>Stockton</strong> Borough Council (SBC) website at
www.stockton.gov.uk/heritage. This will allow greater access and flexibility for residents in
posting continual feedback on the <strong>Strategy</strong> and any activity associated with <strong>Stockton</strong>’s
heritage.
<strong>Stockton</strong>-on-Tees Borough Council is pleased to have initiated this first <strong>Strategy</strong> and will
continue to support the promotion and development of our heritage assets through its
many services: working with communities to ensure heritage remains an acknowledged
asset in these economically challenging times.
We are glad you have taken the opportunity to read the <strong>Strategy</strong> and look forward to your
continued support, enthusiasm, dedication and time in ensuring <strong>Stockton</strong>’s <strong>Heritage</strong> is
preserved and celebrated for current and future generations.
strategy Purpose and structure
The <strong>Strategy</strong> has been written to reflect the priorities of recognising, valuing, promoting
and celebrating <strong>Stockton</strong>’s heritage. It also sets out <strong>Stockton</strong> Borough Council’s vision and
future commitment to heritage.
The <strong>Strategy</strong> has been divided into three sections:
• chapter 2 Knowing our heritage
Provides a flavour of the heritage we have in the Borough.
• chapter 3 Valuing our heritage
Offers a selection of case studies revealing the good practice, breadth of projects and
roles undertaken by communities, Local Authority and partners. This reveals what we do
and the teamwork and close liaison required in order to deliver good quality heritage
management, access and interpretation.
Tees <strong>Heritage</strong> Park
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