New Forum celebrates Walsall’s heritage

Walsall Council is celebrating the Borough’s unique heritage in a bid to boost economic, cultural and tourism opportunities.

Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the Council has launched a new partnership aimed at preserving the area’s rich history, encouraging future creativity and attracting investment to advance regeneration.

The Walsall Heritage Forum will bring together public and private sector organisations along with charities and community groups, all working together to drive forward the Walsall Heritage Strategy (2021-2026).

The new forum will support delivery of the strategy and ensure engagement from across the community, establish an annual calendar of heritage events, help to identify new projects, partnerships and funding, raise awareness, and pilot innovative approaches to working with young people. 

Further information and event details will be available online at go.walsall.gov.uk/heritage strategy. Sessions include shared learning, working together, advocacy and creating a voice, training and skills, and networking. Events will then take place quarterly across member sites throughout the Borough to promote the collective ownership of the network. 

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration at Walsall Council, said, “Our heritage is an important part of our communities, and the new Walsall Heritage Forum gives us a great opportunity to come together to share our experience, culture and knowledge, and devise and promote heritage related projects across the Borough.

“The Walsall Heritage Strategy sets out our plans for working in partnership with communities and third, public and private sector partners. Through it, we will ensure that we work together to fulfil our hopes, our aspirations and our pride in Walsall. This joined-up approach, bringing organisations together is key to making Walsall a great place to live, work and visit.”

Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said, “We’re delighted to be supporting Walsall Council with its new Heritage Forum. Walsall is one of the Heritage Fund’s key priority areas where we’re working with partners to increase engagement and funding. Thank you to National Lottery players for supporting our continued efforts to create thriving communities.”

Formerly known as the “Town of 100 Trades”, Walsall has a rich, diverse history and is famous for its industrial heritage including leather goods, lock making, metalwork and mining. The Strategy uses a broad definition of heritage, encompassing the Borough’s history, natural environment, architecture, archaeology and built heritage, but most importantly, its people and place in the world, future hopes and aspirations, and pride in Walsall. It is hoped that the strategy, powered by the new Walsall Heritage Forum, will be a vehicle for attracting funding and providing new economic and cultural opportunities for communities, businesses and visitors.