Culture And Memory

Our Place - Acomb and Westfield

This project will empower local people in one of York’s most deprived wards to connect with the heritage and places that shape their identity. It will expand the role of communities in identifying and documenting the heritage that defines York and is used by local decision-makers. Although York is renowned for archaeology, medieval architecture and major industries, local communities have become disconnected from the heritage they recognise and value. Our project will enrich and diversify the city’s heritage identity by reflecting community-led connections to place and informing future planning through improved tools such as the Local Heritage List and the Historic Environment Record. Focusing on Acomb and Westfield with strong but overlooked heritage, we will support local people to research, express and celebrate their stories. Through co-creation, we will develop local heritage ambassadors to sustain this work. York Civic Trust will use the project’s learning to extend this model citywide.