How Heritage Energizes Communities: Shared Perspectives from British Columbia and Northern England

Welcome to NORTHERN HERITAGE Newsletter # 6 and thank you for joining our journey of discovery into the heritage of Prince George and Northern BC.

I know that I said this week I would discuss the system in place here for identifying and safeguarding heritage, but this opportunity came along to co-post with Eric Sandelands — and I took it! I hope you will find the results interesting!

Linking on Substack

One of the life enriching aspects of creating content on Substack is the opportunity to collaborate with other writers, share ideas and learn from each other. In coming together to co-author this article we realized that we have more in common than we thought. We knew we both have a strong sense of place, of community and an active belief that heritage both provides the soul within communities and can be the basis for a rewarding present and future.

As we messaged back and forth though we found common roots. British Columbia is a long way geographically from the Durham coalfield (as we used to know it) in northern England. The great circle distance is apparently 4,221 miles. But spiritually and culturally our distance apart is much closer. We know and love the same places.

Source: www.distance.to

We both love Darlington in County Durham, where this year the 200th anniversary of the first passenger railway journey will be celebrated at Hopetown, an original station of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. We both love the City of Durham, whose castle, medieval cathedral and university sit above the River Wear, the city playing host to the annual Miners Gala, a hugely significant cultural and social event. And we both love Bishop Auckland, of which we’ll share more later in the article.

We found overlapping connections too in our family stories in southern Ontario, Canada. The rural communities around Lakes Huron and Ontario matter to us. What began as two people collaborating who have never met became a project richer in meaning.

The Role of Heritage in Regenerating Communities

Many communities around the world are rediscovering their heritage and leveraging it for both community pride and regeneration. This renewed focus on cultural heritage has helped communities reconnect with their history and traditions, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.

In cities like Edinburgh, Scotland, heritage-led regeneration initiatives have transformed neglected areas into vibrant cultural quarters, attracting both tourists and locals. According to a report by Historic Environment Scotland, heritage tourism contributes £2.3 billion to the Scottish economy annually, highlighting the significant economic impact of preserving and promoting cultural heritage.

But there is more to this than just economic benefits. Heritage-led regeneration projects improve social cohesion and community well-being. By restoring historic buildings and public spaces, these projects create attractive and functional areas where people can gather, meet, talk, and engage in cultural activities.

In the United States, the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Main Street America program has helped revitalize over 2,000 communities, creating more than 600,000 jobs and generating $85.43 billion in reinvestment. These initiatives not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods but also provide opportunities for community members to participate in the revitalization process, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.

Rediscovering and celebrating heritage can play a crucial role in promoting social inclusivity and diversity. By acknowledging and preserving the histories and contributions of various cultural groups, communities can create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

In AlUla in the mountains of northwestern Saudi Arabia, the AlUla Vision 2030 initiative aims to transform the region into a global cultural destination by preserving its rich heritage and promoting sustainable tourism. The project has already created thousands of jobs and attracted significant investment, demonstrating the potential of heritage-led regeneration to drive economic growth and enhance community pride. When you talk to local people you can sense the immense pride they feel, the interesting jobs and educational opportunities available to them, and their belief in their future.

The stories that we will share are close to home for us, mean an immense amount to us, and we hope are ones that will provide ideas and inspiration for readers.

Kynren and The Auckland Project

Bishop Auckland, located in County Durham, England, has a rich history that dates back over 2,000 years. Originally a Roman settlement, it later became the residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham, who wielded both religious and political power. The town flourished during the Industrial Revolution, becoming a hub for coal mining, which shaped its economy and community for over a century.

The decline of the coal mining industry in the late 20th century had a devastating impact on the town. The closure of the mines led to widespread unemployment and economic hardship, with the town losing a significant portion of its workforce. By the 1980s, unemployment rates in the region had soared, and the population began to decline as people moved away in search of work. The loss of this industry left a lasting economic and social void.

In recent years, Bishop Auckland has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to initiatives like The Auckland Project and Kynren. The Auckland Project, spearheaded by philanthropist Jonathan Ruffer, has revitalized the town's cultural and historical assets, including the restoration of Auckland Castle and the creation of attractions like the Mining Art Gallery and the Faith Museum. Kynren, an epic outdoor live-action show, has drawn thousands of visitors annually, showcasing 2,000 years of British history in a spectacular performance. Together, these projects have turned Bishop Auckland into a cultural and tourist destination.

The catalyst for this was a news report. The Church of England Commissioners announced the sale of the Zuburian paintings of Jacob and his Sons which had graced Auckland Castle, a Bishop’s Palace since the 18^th Century. Jonathan felt that this would never happen in a wealthy part of southern England, and that art and other treasures should remain in the north. He negotiated the purchase of the paintings, it became clear that Auckland Castle itself needed investment, and formed a trust to secure the castle’s future as well as the paintings. This was the birth of what became the Auckland Project.

The Spanish Gallery in Bishop Auckland, one of the introduced attractions

Generating sufficient visitor numbers to sustain the town then became the challenge. Kynren, named from the Anglo-Saxon word “Cynren” which roughly means family, began the process with its summer nightshow staffed by around 1,500 local volounteers. Adding to this regeneration is the development of a new historical theme park, "The Storied Lands," set to open in 2026. It will feature immersive experiences and live-action shows, transporting visitors through different eras of history. It is expected to create hundreds of jobs and further boost tourism.

There are still rundown parts of the town, particularly the High Street. But the Auckland Project has been a catalyst for public, private and charitable investment. The restoration of the fine town hall includes a boutique cinema, art gallery, café, events space. Stack, who create bars, cafes and entertainment spaces from converted shipping containers will shortly open, boosting the night time economy.

There is a sense of civic pride again. However, the high-level summary here masks the challenges. Not all local people initially welcomed this initiative. It can take a long time before benefits are felt. There was a a need to engage, listen, adapt, while trying to keep the faith, keep the vision and stay the course.

A Different Kind of Heritage

Halfway across the world, in central British Columbia, is the city of Prince George – “Basecamp to the North”- with a very different heritage landscape. It is characterized by isolation, nine millennia of indigenous occupation, a recent history of colonial exploration, resource extraction and only 110 years as a multicultural town with a working history.

Aerial view of the city of Prince George

The value of heritage to the identity of and pride in the city is acknowledged by the City government:

The community of Prince George has a responsibility to integrate its diverse and interesting heritage into its community planning processes. Conserving Prince George’s historic places and educating people about the historic significance of buildings, events and sites helps to build a legacy for future generations. While heritage conservation has not been a priority in community planning and development in the past, it is seen as an opportunity for building a sense of community identity. It is important that the people who come after us understand what makes this community unique, and a significant part of British Columbia. It is an understanding of the past which guides community development in the future. (Draft Official Community Plan 2024)

To date, however, there have been few attempts to integrate heritage into the planning process, let alone position it at the center of urban regeneration. There has been a lot of discussion about the critical need for a new approach to revitalizing the urban center but heritage has not been suggested as a relevant tool.

There is a dislocation between the official heritage protection process, well-intentioned government sentiments like those quoted above and the lack of any applications on the ground. This may be because there seems to be no clear idea of what heritage there is or how it can function in regeneration, beyond tourism.

There are two excellent museums in Prince George that tell vivid stories about the city and the region; the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum and The Exploration Place which is also the official archive for Lheidli T’enneh First Nation’s heritage material. What is needed in addition is a local grassroots movement to kickstart community projects that could act as templates for bigger, government supported initiatives. However, there seems to be a cultural shift in people’s interest in Prince George’s heritage; it seems to be reaching that critical mass where things start happening!

Examples of this in the past months alone include celebration of the role of dog-sledding in the history and culture of the area with the 33^rd Annual Gold Rush Trails Sled Dog Mail Run; an Oscar nomination for local First Nations film project “Sugarcane”; award of 2025 Jeanne Clarke Local History Awards to a much-loved photographer who documented the city’s spirit and culture and substantial funding for Lheidli T’enneh First Nation for their Ancient Forest Enhancement Project including an Interpretive Centre to explain the deep cultural significance of the forest to their community.

Two examples of this rising heritage wave are of particular appeal to me. Firstly, the success of local entrepreneurial wild food foragers who sell products, run training courses on land knowledge and identifying native plants.

Secondly, Prince George has a Train Lady who began by planning the occasional local train trip for friends and now organizes regular rail journeys with lecturers, community interaction and entertainment! She is overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of Prince George people for knowing more about and seeing more of their past. Heritage on wheels.

1930s photo of the railway and snow --- fundamentals of life and heritage in Prince George

It's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg but it’s a foundation to build on. I started my Substack, NORTHERN HERITAGE, in part to explore this new (to me) “heritagescape” that is so different from that of China, Pakistan, Indochina and other areas of Asia where I have worked. I also hope to contribute, if I can, to this rising awareness of the power of cultural heritage to change people and places.

Our Recommendations for Planners and Policy Makers

We believe that with thoughtful planning policies and targeted public investments in heritage, the rewards are exponential. From our experiences, observations and research to effectively integrate heritage into public investment and planning frameworks, and to aid planners and policymakers we offer the following recommendations:

Redefine and Expand ideas of what constitutes Heritage: There is more to heritage than historical buildings, monuments and sites. Devote time and effort to identifying and including the living and intangible aspects of the heritage of the community --- of indigenous peoples, longtime residents and contemporary residents. In many cases these aspects of heritage ARE the heritage.

Prioritize Heritage in Urban Planning: Embed heritage conservation and adaptive reuse into urban development plans. This includes creating zoning laws that protect historic sites and incentivizing the restoration of heritage buildings for modern use.

Adopt the UNESCO Historic Urban Landscape approach which emphasizes the vital importance of heritage for our cities – now and in the future. This approach to managing historic urban landscapes is holistic; it integrates the goals of urban heritage conservation and those of social and economic development. This method sees multiple layers of urban heritage as a social, cultural and economic asset for the development of cities. as sources of social cohesion, factors of diversity and drivers of creativity, innovation and urban regeneration.

Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaborations between public authorities, private investors, and community organizations to fund and manage heritage projects. These partnerships can leverage diverse resources and expertise, ensuring sustainable outcomes.

Community Engagement: Actively involve local communities in heritage projects to foster a sense of ownership and pride. Public consultations and participatory planning processes can ensure that regeneration efforts align with community needs and values.

Innovative Financing Models: Explore circular financing models, such as tax incentives, grants, and crowdfunding, to support heritage conservation and regeneration. These models can attract investment while ensuring long-term sustainability.

Integrate Heritage with Tourism: Develop heritage-based tourism strategies that promote local culture and history. This can boost the local economy while raising awareness about the importance of preserving heritage.

Education and Capacity Building: Invest in training programs for professionals in heritage conservation and urban planning. Building local expertise ensures that heritage projects are managed effectively and sustainably. Provide targeted heritage awareness and capacity building for city administrators and decision makers.

Monitor and Evaluate: Establish mechanisms to assess the impact of heritage projects on social, economic, and environmental outcomes. Regular evaluations can guide future investments and policy adjustments. Expand impact assessment requirements to include Heritage Impact Assessment of developments as well as assessments of impacts on archaeology.

We hope planners and policymakers can create a balanced approach that respects heritage while driving regeneration and economic growth. The two things are synergistic but need sensitive stewardship.

Our Recommendations for Communities

In our two case examples, one had philanthropic support, one not (yet). Our shared belief is that it is people in communities who truly make the difference, by caring, by campaigning, by building support.

All communities are unique with their own story. At times we forget this, lose our confidence, feel overlooked. But each of us can play a crucial role in driving action to support heritage as part of local regeneration efforts. We have come up with a few suggestions as to how to start to make things happen.

Raise Awareness: Organize events, workshops, or social media campaigns to educate the community about the historical and cultural significance of local heritage. A well-informed community is more likely to rally behind preservation efforts.

Advocate to Local Authorities: Engage with local councils, planners, and policymakers by attending public meetings, submitting petitions, or writing to representatives. Advocacy ensures that heritage is considered in regeneration plans.

Collaborate with Local Organizations: Partner with historical societies, cultural groups, and non-profits that focus on tradition and heritage conservation. These organizations often have the expertise and resources to spearhead projects effectively.

Volunteer for Heritage Projects: Participate in clean-up efforts, restorations, or community-driven initiatives to document or preserve historic sites. Direct involvement not only helps but also sets an example for others to join.

Promote Heritage Tourism: Encourage visitors to explore local historical landmarks by organizing guided tours, creating promotional materials, or hosting community events. Increased footfall can generate funds and interest in preservation.

Foster Intergenerational Learning: Share local stories, traditions, and crafts with younger generations. This keeps heritage alive and instills pride and responsibility in the community.

Support Funding Efforts: Contribute to fundraising campaigns, whether through donations or organizing charity events. Financial backing is essential for sustaining long-term projects.

Showcase Success Stories: Highlight examples of successful heritage-based regeneration projects in similar towns or regions to inspire action and demonstrate potential outcomes.

By taking these steps, community members can create a strong, collective voice to champion their local heritage and drive meaningful regeneration efforts. Every small action contributes to building a legacy worth preserving!

What We Have Learned From Each Other

For us both this has been our first collaboration on Substack, not just with each other, but first collaboration of any kind. It has been richly rewarding. It’s nice not to feel alone, to share a common passion for heritage.

It was wonderful to discover that certain places connected us both and our families’ stories. Places in County Durham and in Ontario, many, many miles apart.

As we wrote it became clear that deeply caring for our communities is important to us both, and critical in the topics being explored here, of regeneration through heritage projects and pride in our communities. It is by caring enough that we find the resilience to keep going through difficult, often frustrating, times.

And shared learning matters, it sustains us and helps us find new perspectives and new solutions.

We hope that for you as readers, there is something useful in what we have written that helps you, and you can take away and use.

References

Prince George Draft Official Community Plan, 2024.

Things To Do in Bishop Auckland | The Auckland Project, accessed 1^st March 2025.

North Waters Wildcraft and Moose, Mushrooms and Mud on Facebook

Train Lady on Facebook.

Footnotes

Ayesha’s Substack forum Northern Heritage provides perspectives from a heritage professional discovering Prince George BC.

Eric’s Substack, Creating Communities provides perspectives from a program management professional engaged in urban and rural regeneration.

If you’ve enjoyed this article and found it useful, we hope you’ll join both of our communities by subscribing and supporting our work.