Archive 2009
December 2009
Following extension consultation the World Heritage Site bid document for Chatham Dockyard and its Defences has been approved by the project steering group and today by Medway Council's cabinet.
The final bid document can be downloaded here:
Nomination Document
Management Plan
Figure 1 - Site Location
Figure 2 - Boundary and Buffer Zone
Figure 3 - Key Site Elements
Figure 3a - River Medway
Figure 3b - Chatham Historic Dockyard
Figure 3c - Royal School of Military Engineering (Brompton Barracks)
Figure 3d - Brompton Village
Figure 3e - Chatham Lines
Figure 3f - Kitchener Barracks
Figure 3g - Old Gun Wharf
Figure 3h - Upnor Castle, Barracks and Ordnance Depot
Figure 4 - Land Ownership
Figure 5 - Land Uses
Figure 6 - Vision for the Site
Figure 7 - Protective Designations: historic environment
Figure 8 - Protective Designations: natural environment
Figure 9 - Visitor Access
Figure 10 - Visitor Access II
Warning - large documents - may take some time to download.
The steering group and expert panel would like to pass on their sincere thanks to everyone who helped shape the document.
December 2009
The second round of consultation on Chatham's World Heritage Site bid document has now closed. The expert panel have discussed all views received, and agreed:
1) To extend the core World Heritage boundary to include Upnor High Street, reflecting the importance of the civilian community in defence activity.
2) To extend the buffer zone on the Frindsbury peninsula, to include all of the Medway City Estate and the riverside walkway at Rochester Riverside. This will reflect the important views into and from the proposed World Heritage Site.
3) To reduce the buffer zone around Fort Pitt, to better reflect the key areas in views to and from the site.
All comments received have been combined in a report, which includes feedback from the expert panel and Chatham World Heritage steering group, and can be downloaded here. Thank you to everyone who contributed.
The agreed boundary and buffer zone for the World Heritage Site nomination for Chatham Dockyard and Defences can be viewed here.
November 2009
Almost 500 people visted the display of photographs taken by students from the University of the Creative Arts at Eastgate House in Rochester last month. The images which were on display - and other previously unseen images - can be viewed here.
October 2009
A second, targeted round of consultation on Chatham's World Heritage nomination will be launched tomorrow (28th October) and be open for three weeks - until 18th November.
This second round of consultation follows tremendous feedback during the summer's open consultation, and will focus on three key areas:
1) A possible extension of the core World Heritage boundary to include Upnor High Street, reflecting the importance of the civilian community in defence activity at Upnor.
2) A possible extension of the buffer zone on the Frindsbury peninsula, to include all of the Medway City Estate and the riverside walkway at Rochester Riverside. This may better reflect the important views into and from the proposed World Heritage Site.
3) A possible reduction of the buffer zone around Fort Pitt, to better reflect the key areas in views to and from the site.
A booklet has been produced to support this consultation, which can be downloaded here.
All comments received during the first round of consultation have been collected in a report explaining how these changes will be incorporated in the final documents. With thanks again to everyone who contributed, the feedback report can be viewed here. The full revised World Heritage bid document will be published when the second round of consultation closes. In the meantime, the revised policies and actions section can be viewed here.
October 2009
The results of an exciting student photography project will be on free public display at Eastgate House in Rochester this month.
Students from the University of the Creative Arts have produced a series of wonderful photographs showing why they believe Chatham's Historic Dockyard and its Defences deserve international recognition.
The exhibition will be on display at Eastgate House, Rochester High Street on
27 October from 10am - 4pm
28 October from 12noon - 6.30pm
29 October from 10am - 4pm
30 October from 10am - 4pm
Photographer Christopher van Beck will be present from 4.30pm - 6.30pm on 28 October to discuss his work.
There is no need to book, and admission is free.
August 2009
Consultation on the Chatham World Heritage bid document has now closed. Thanks to everyone who took the time to review and comment on the drafts. The project steering group will be discussing, and where appropriate, incorporating all comments over coming weeks, and a feedback report detailing all comments received and changes made will be sent to the Partnership later this year. *** Feedback Report now available*** Click here.
June 2009
Today saw the launch of public consultation on the draft bid document for Chatham Dockyard and its Defences. Over 160 people attended a meeting of the Chatham World Heritage Partnership to mark the launch. Words of welcome to the splendid venue of No. 3 Covered Slip were provided by the Leader of Medway Council, Councillor Rodney Chambers and the Chief Executive of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Bill Ferris. Guests were welcomed by a special performance from the Creativity Without Borders Company reflecting on the 25 years since the closure of the Dockyard. The evening also saw the launch of the second round of the Chatham World Heritage Partnership Fund, providing funds for residents and local organisations to deliver projects supporting the aims of Chatham's nomination.
The World Heritage Site bid consists of two parts. The first - the Nomination Document - sets out how Chatham Dockyard and its Defences is internationally beyond compare. The second - the Management Plan - explains how this uniqueness will be cared for by everyone with an interest in the site. A summary of the documents can be downloaded here.
The Nomination Document can be downloaded here.
The Management Plan can be downloaded in sections below:
Foreword and Executive Summary
Section 1: Introduction
Section 2: Description and Significance of the Site.
Section 3: Vision
Section 4: Opportunities, Challenges and Policies
Section 5: Policies and Action Plan
Bibilography and Acknowledgements
Appendices A - F
Figures and Maps
Appendix A - Summary of Stakeholder Consultation
Appendix B - Background to World Heritage Sites
Appendix C - Summary Chronology of the Site
Appendix D - Current Ownership, Management and Use of the Site
Appendix E - Site Gazetteer
Appendix F - Planning Framework and Protective Designations
Map of Proposed Boundary and Buffer Zone
Questions to guide your response can be found at the back of the Consultation Summary, but you are welcome to comment on any aspect of Chatham's nomination. Please return all comments to chathamworldheritage@medway.gov.uk, or to
Joanne Cable,
Chatham World Heritage Manager,
Gun Wharf, Medway Council Headquarters,
Dock Road,
Chatham,
Kent. ME4 4TR.
Consultation closes on 4th August 2009. If you would like to receive feedback on your comments, please ensure you include your contact details with your response.
If you would like a hard copy of the document, please email chathamworldheritage@medway.gov.uk, or call 01634 331176.
Fiona Watt and the Creativity without Borders company would like to thank all those who took time to look in detail at The Suitcase Museum. If you are interested in knowing more about the project, or would like to post some comments, please get in touch! cwb.fiona@hotmail.co.uk
June 2009
Volunteer Trustees required for Fort Amherst: closing date extended.
Fort Amherst Heritage Trust is a charitable company created to promote and maintain this important Napoleonic Fort, built to protect Chatham Dockyard. This is an exciting period for the Trust which is involved in the bid for World Heritage Status for Chatham Dockyard and the surrounding area. The board are looking for additional trustees to broaden its skills and experience. Apply in writing by 31st July 2009 outlining the skills and experience you would bring to the Board. For further information contact the Trust Chairman, Alan Anstee:- Fort Amherst Heritage Trust, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4UB. 01634 847747.
May 2009
The next meeting of the Chatham World Heritage Partnership will take place in No. 3 Covered Slip, Chatham Historic Dockyard on Tuesday 9th June from 6pm - 8pm (Registration from 5.15pm).
The meeting will mark the launch of public consultation on the World Heritage Nomination Document for Chatham Dockyard and its Defences, and will feature updates on the Great Lines Heritage Park, and the future of UK World Heritage nominations. Following the success of the Chatham World Heritage Partnership Fund in 2008, the evening will also see the launch of the second round of small grants to help local residents and community groups support the aims of our nomination.
Words of welcome will be provided by the Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Rodney Chambers, and an introduction to No. 3 Covered Slip by Bill Ferris, Chief Executive of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust. Light refreshments will be provided, and there will be a chance to view a special exhibition marking 25 years of transformation since the Dockyard's closure.
If you would like to attend, please register by Tuesday 2nd June, noting your email or postal address, and if you have any special access of dietary requirements.
March 2009
Fort Amherst has received a welcome donation of building sand by local firm J. Clubb. This is a major contribution to the restoration of the 18th century Guard House, and has helped secure an important grant from English Heritage.
Fort Amherst Heritage Trust Vice Chairman, Glen Robinson, commented:
“This donation is an important step towards the completion of repairs to this significant building, which will be used to provide meeting rooms for local community groups and organisations, and to enhance the visitor experience at Fort Amherst. The restoration of the Guard House is an important commitment by Fort Amherst Heritage Trust to the Great Lines Heritage Park project”.
Visitors will be able to view part of the restoration this Saturday (28th March) when Fort Amherst will be open, from 10.30am – 4pm, as part of Kent’s Big Day Out.
For further information, or for other offers of help please contact Gerd Hoad on 01634 847747.
March 2009
Thanks to everyone who came along in early February to support “Through Our Eyes”, the public display highlighting Chatham and Brompton as they are seen today, and through the eyes of the past.
Thanks also to all students of Gillingham Adult Education Centre's Mixed Media class who worked hard to produce thoughtful and striking impressions of local heritage. A gallery of the works can be viewed here.
March 2009
Lindsey Morgan would like to pass on her thanks to everyone who contributed to the Chatham World Heritage Partnership response to the government's review of World Heritage Policy. Lindsey's letter on behalf of the Partnership can be viewed here.
Government's feedback on consultation responses, and proposals for future World Heritage nominations, are expected in May.
March 2009
All are invited to a St George's Day celebration at Fort Amherst on 24th April, from 7pm, in aid of Help for Heroes.
Entertainment will include live folk music, morris dancers and historical re-enactors.
£25 per person includes drink, food and entertainment. For more details, please contact Steve Craddock.
January 2009
“Through Our Eyes” – a celebration of Chatham’s World Heritage.
All are welcome to this public display highlighting Chatham and Brompton as they are seen today, and through the eyes of the past.
There is free entry to the display in The Gate House at Fort Amherst on:
Monday 9th February: 4pm – 8pm
Tuesday 10th February: 4pm – 8pm
Wednesday 11th February: 10am – 3pm
Works have been produced by students from the “Mixed Media” class at Gillingham’s Adult Education Centre. Costs for the display have been met by the Chatham World Heritage Partnership Fund. Noreen Clare is the Mixed Media student who spotted the opportunity to apply for funds. “I’m delighted by the success of our application” she said “and hope local people and visitors will come and support the display in such a wonderful historic venue”.
Some of the artworks will be for sale, and can be reserved during the event.
January 2009
The first ever national Armed Forces Day is to take place in Chatham. Chatham Historic Dockyard was chosen over five other areas which made a bid to host the major event.
The annual event, to be held on 27th June, is an opportunity for the nation to pay tribute to our armed forces, past, present and future. It will be an important addition to Medway's programme of events marking 25 years since the Dockyard's closure.
Chatham will host the main ceremony, with hundreds of other smaller events taking place across the country.
Admiral Sir Ian Garnett, Chairman of the Historic Dockyard Trust, said: “We are looking forward to arranging a great day out which will enable, young and old, from many different walks of life, to join the men and women of the armed forces and celebrate their achievements.”
Senior members of the Royal Family, together with top military commanders and government Ministers, will be on the saluting base for the main march-past in the dockyard.
