Minister chairs first built heritage stakeholder meeting

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson today chaired the first meeting of a forum informing built heritage policy.

The Built Heritage Stakeholders Forum involves high level decision makers from across Northern Ireland and will focus on the contribution of historic buildings to the economy and society.

The creation of the forum was announced during the ‘Windows of Opportunity Conference’ in May by the former Environment Minister Arlene Foster .

Mr Wilson said: “I welcome the opportunity to chair the inaugural meeting of this group which will be looking at how our historic environment can be utilised to achieve its maximum potential.

“In fields such as tourism, economic development and community pride the built heritage plays a very important role.

“I am very glad that significant decision makers in all of these fields will be participating today and initiating a discussion which will allow my Department to better understand their approach to these areas, as well as developing their understanding of what the built heritage can offer.”

Key contacts in local authorities, the business community, the Construction Employers Federation, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, other government departments and the chairmen of the Historic Buildings Council and the Historic Monument’s Council attended today’s meeting.

Among the issues they discussed were:

An update from the 20 May Conference which sought to highlight the economic and social potential of the built heritage.

A discussion on what Built Heritage can do for you and what can you offer it?

Outline for discussion of proposed new Built Heritage Strategic Plan.

Notes to Editors:

1. The ‘Windows of Opportunity’ conference held in the Stormont Hotel on 20 May set out to highlight the social and economic importance of the Built Heritage to Northern Ireland. Speakers illustrated the positive impact of built heritage projects upon their businesses and communities to an invited audience of business leaders and key decision makers. Other speakers highlighted some of the threats faced by the sector.
2. HRH The Prince of Wales also attended the event and lent his support to a wider understanding of the role Built Heritage plays in Northern Ireland society.
3. In a keynote speech, the then Environment Minister Arlene Foster MLA set out a number of new initiatives aimed at supporting the built heritage and fostering a wider understanding of its potential.
4. These included an enhanced grant scheme for listed buildings, a dedicated fund to help Building Preservation Trusts, increased training provision for stonemasons and other specialists working on historic monuments and the creation of an Owners Forum to increase communication and feedback from the custodians of our historic buildings.
5. The first meeting of the Owners Forum took place on 18 November at the Braid in Ballymena and was attended by 800 people - almost 10% of listed building owners.
6. The Stakeholders Forum is aimed at high level decision makers to ensure that any impediments to realizing the full potential of the built heritage to Northern Ireland can be identified and tackled.
7. For further information, contact Press Office, Tel: 028 9054 0003, out of office hours please contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.