Industrial Heritage in England – Resilience and Sustainability of Sites

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It is a major update on two previous English Heritage (now Historic England) commissioned reports:

• Public Access to England’s Preserved Industrial Heritage 1998 PLB Consulting Limited with Ian Ayris, Ian Dormor and Swift Research Ltd
• Sustaining England’s Industrial Heritage: A Future for Preserved Industrial Sites in England 2011 Neil Cossons

Drawing on desk-based research, questionnaires and interviews, its emphasis is on industrial sites open as heritage attractions, including both museums and monuments, with sections on ownership, governance, function, finance, management, access, conservation, and interpretation.

Having considered the findings, the report puts forward ten recommendations:

• Create a baseline of key sites for long-term measurement and improvement
• Additional support for the Industrial Heritage Support Officer role
• Network research, including further detailed analysis of approaches to best diversify sector governance, management and funding
• Greater advocacy
• Volunteer renaissance, including community champions for industrial heritage
• Skills enhancement, involving both technical and operational skills
• Audience development and marketing
• Sector mentoring
• Heritage fuel research
• Strategic review setting out the priorities and parameters for this part of the sector over the next 25 years

The report and its findings will help take forward the work of the Historic England-funded Industrial Heritage Support Officer hosted by the National Trust (further details on the Industrial Heritage Support and Industrial Heritage Networks websites). It will also be of considerable interest to all those involved in the care and public presentation of England’s industrial heritage, such as local authorities and other public bodies, charitable trusts and volunteer groups.