Rich heritage strategy set to launch to help shape the future of Northamptonshire

As well as recognising the county’s cultural assets, the plan will set out how Northamptonshire’s heritage can be harnessed to boost resident’s wellbeing and the local economy.

The blueprint will examine how heritage can be used as an educational tool as a means to raise the profile of Northamptonshire as a cultural tourism destination.

Councillor Heather Smith, Leader of the county council said: “If you take a drive through Northamptonshire it’s remarkable to see a county which is dripping with rich cultural heritage.

“Pass through any town or along any country lane and you will encounter reminders – many unheralded - of a very colourful past, which has very much helped shape our lives today.

“Once heritage is destroyed it can never be adequately replaced. That makes it is essential that we have a programme in place to ensure that our wealth of cultural history is safeguarded for future generations.

In order to take the strategy forward a charitable limited company, known as the Northamptonshire Heritage Trust, will be established.

She adds: “Any growth strategies take the environment into account and this strategy works in a similar way in recognising the importance of heritage in our identity.

“Northamptonshire is one of the fastest growing areas of the country and we must be careful, as we grow rapidly, that our backs are not turned on what makes our county truly unique.”

The Trust will ensure that all groups involved in heritage projects in the county can collaborate towards the same common goals, rather than working in alone.

The report also outlines the launch of the Northamptonshire Heritage website, which will support the strategy and act as an information hub.

The proposal for the heritage strategy will be discussed by the county council’s cabinet on November 9.