Introduction

An IHBC ‘Unique Learning Experience’ at Auckland Castle and Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham

Summary

On 18-19 October 2017, the IHBC, including the IHBC’s North Branch, is partnering with national and local interests in and around Bishop Auckland, to offer unique, first hand insights into current practice and principles in heritage project management across a £90 million suite of projects inspired by private philanthropy and faith, from inspiration and inception to development and implementation.

Local project leads will review the full range of project challenges while speakers from key national bodies will set that work in context:

• Historic England (Carol Pyrah)

• Heritage Lottery Fund (Sara Crofts)

• IHBC (Fiona Newton)

• CIOB President Rebecca Thompson, Chair for the Day Conference

A substantial body of support and evolving resources on this website helps delegates prepare for the event, and will serve as a reference resurce for future events.

The place: Heritage and art, philanthropy and faith

Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham, including its architectural centrepiece, Auckland Castle, is undergoing a remarkable transformation thanks to a complex package of private philanthropic and public funding.

For nearly a decade financier Jonathan Ruffer and his wife Jane have led initiatives to regenerate the area, centred first on the Castle and its remarkable paintings by the Spanish master Francisco de Zurbarán.

Ruffer has led on the ongoing transformation of Auckland Castle into a faith, art and heritage destination of international significance. This has helped inspire the reinvigoration of the town of Bishop Auckland and the wider area through social and economic regeneration supported by heritage and other funding.

Now a £90 million heritage-led regeneration programme extends from estate to town that includes the range of project areas to be explored in this unique event.

Bishop Auckland Town Hall

Bishop Auckland

Castle Throne Room (artists impression)

Castle Faith Museum (artists impression)

The benefits

At the end of the programme delegates will:

• Know the diverse and complex considerations in heritage projects across diverse types

• Understand the needs and priorities of different players, from private leads and specialist practitioners to public funders and regulators

• Know why we can all be hugely grateful to the diverse interests and players that help support the event and the regeneration of Bishop Auckland, the Castle and this unique body of heritage.

The programme

• 18 October (Optional)

  • Optional Castle visit (subject to access and offered on first come basis to paid bookings)

  • Optional evening talk and networking reception buffet with and introductory talk by programme inspiration and private lead, Jonathan Ruffer

• 19 October (Main programme)

  • Project introductions and broader heritage project tools and considerations, chaired by Rebecca Thompson, CIOB President

  • Site visits:

  • Town area, also marking the 50th Anniversary year of Conservation Area Legislation

  • Town Buildings, including interiors

  • The Estate around Auckland Castle, including works

  • The Mining Art Gallery, linked to its opening

  • Optional Castle visit (subject to access and offered on first come basis to paid bookings)

  
  
  

  Learning strategy and outcomes

  • Up to 10 hours of training, Continuing Professional Development (CPD), insights and networking in case-based heritage project

  • Online resources encouraging focus on practical considerations

  • CPD certificates issued

  
  

  To see more learning resources follow the Programme and Learning links