New Heritage Strategy is approved
Today, 9 April, Cabinet members approved a new Heritage Strategy for Kirklees: We Are Making History.
The Heritage Strategy was created with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund through their Resilient Heritage funding programme, following a public consultation which took place in 2023. It will sit alongside new Tourism and Cultural Strategies which are currently being developed. Together these strategies aim to encourage collaboration and participation to promote Kirklees through its heritage and cultural offer and attract more investors and visitors to the district.
Why do we need a heritage strategy?
A key aim of the Heritage Strategy is to raise the profile of Kirklees’ rich and diverse heritage in all its forms, which has made both a national and global impact over the centuries. From its renowned role in the Industrial Revolution with its thriving textile industry to protest movements such as The Luddites and Women’s Suffrage and the formation of the Rugby League, Kirklees has a fascinating story to share.
The Heritage Strategy sets out a future approach to heritage which will create the conditions and confidence to attract investment into Kirklees. An associated Strategic Heritage Action Plan will ensure that a plan is in place to strengthen Kirklees’ heritage offer through partnership development, innovation, co-ordination and community engagement over the next four years.
Richard Parry, Strategic Director for Adults and Health at Kirklees Council, said:
“This April sees Kirklees celebrating our 50th anniversary, so the new Heritage Strategy couldn’t be better timed. Kirklees continues to make history as it always has done, but we also want our diverse heritage to inspire the future of the district.
“Heritage in Kirklees is amazing in breadth and quality and this strategy will not only help us to protect and develop the heritage offer of our historic landscapes and towns across the borough, but it will also enable us to bring people together and find new ways to tell the stories of our communities.”
The strategy aims to support heritage and the programmes it can deliver within our communities to build stronger connections and experiences with one another and contribute to positive impacts for wellbeing, learning and skills development for the future. It will encourage inclusive opportunities for everyone to understand, enjoy and share our common heritage.
What is next?
Now approved, the Heritage Strategy will be published in full on our website and further activity will take place later in 2024 to begin its implementation.