Council prepares masterplan for Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site
A Shropshire council is being asked to give the green light to submit a plan to manage the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site to both the government and UNESCO.
The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, famous as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, is recognised as being of international significance.
It is one of Britain’s first World Heritage Sites, having been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. It is also the second most highly recommended World Heritage Site by contributors to the travel critique website Trip Advisor.
It is a requirement of UNESCO that all World Heritage Sites have a Management Plan in place to ensure the effective protection and management of the locations for future generations.
In accordance with UNESCO best practice, the preparation of the plan has been overseen by the multi-agency Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site Steering Group.
A full public consultation has been carried out and the plan has since been amended and progressed to a point where it is ready for submission.
It will go before Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet on April 20 with a recommendation that it be approved for submission to UNESCO.
Cllr Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Leisure, said: “The purpose of the plan is to ensure the effective protection of the site for future generations, preserving and protecting the outstanding natural value of the Ironbridge World Heritage Site.
“It also aims to improve the interpretation and understanding of the cultural landscape to its visitors and inhabitants and enhance the living community with the World Heritage Site through social and economic regeneration.
“Together with all our partners, we have committed to safeguarding the unique industrial heritage and character of the site for present and future generations and strengthening the Gorge as a vibrant, living and working community and strong economy.”
He said the council also aimed to ensure the World Heritage Site remained accessible to everyone, while conserving Ironbridge’s historic environment, essential ecology and biodiversity.
The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site partners are:
• Department of Culture, Media and Sport
• English Heritage
• Historic England
• Environment Agency
• International Council on Monuments & Sites UK
• Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust
• Natural England
• Broseley Town Council
• The Gorge Parish Council
• Madeley Town Council
• Severn Gorge Countryside Trust
• Shropshire Council
• Telford & Wrekin Council
