Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement presented the draft Heritage Strategy which set out the vision for the Borough’s heritage to be at the heart of the community and to make a recognised positive contribution to improving the lives of the people who live, work and visit the Borough.

The Cabinet Member explained that the Strategy would be a key component in raising civic pride and that it sought to achieve the outcomes identified by both Ambition 2020 and the Growth Commission.  The Strategy was set around eight key heritage focus areas and nine priority action themes and included a detailed action plan covering the full four-year period.

Cabinet Members commended the Strategy and the work of the staff within the service, referring to the rich history of the Borough and the many local events that were arranged throughout the year.  It was noted that Valence House had been included in The Guardian newspaper’s “Best 50 free things to do in east and south London” city guide.  The Leader commented that civic pride came from the Borough’s past and he felt that the Strategy promoted that excellently.  The Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement concluded by suggesting that the Strategy document would act as a great guide for new residents and visitors to the Borough.

Cabinet resolved to approve the Barking and Dagenham Heritage Strategy 2016 - 2020, as set out at Appendix 1 to the report.