The wonderful people at Historic England commissioned us to help them produce a short film focusing on the restoration and redevelopment of High Streets around the UK, ultimately known as the Heritage Action Zones. One of these locations is Middlesbrough.
Middlesbrough's strong mixture of physical renovation, public realm work and community engagements, see it to be one of Historic England's most prominent Heritage Action Zones. Restorations on key locations such as Exchange Square, the Zetland Hotel, and The Masham, have brought the local community together to help celebrate these buildings and their amazing history. Through the Heritage Action Zones, the community are are able to gather stories about the history to share with the public and beyond.
The film aims to show, not only the beautiful architecture of these buildings, but also how it impacts the local community, and what the restoration means to them.
A key feature within the film is The Masham Hotel, which is being restored as the hub for the Heritage Action Zone. Opened as a pub in 1865, the Masham served the local people of Middlesbrough for over 130 years. Now, the building will serve the public again with a variety of different activities, and as a space to engage with others.
The activities to showcase the buildings and local history will be shown through a map of the area, which further points out key locations for the public to visit, artwork exhibitions, and even guided tours around the town.
Nicola Golightly, the Co-founder and Director of Navigator North, commented that working together as a community, whether you run a big business, grassroots organisation, or just a member of the public, the collective collaboration will allow the celebration of Middlesbrough.
It's very much about seeing the past of Middlesbrough, but also being here in the present and celebrating its future.
To watch the film, click here.
