Client: Vision for Lanark Partnership, 2020-25
Working closely with the community, CMC consulted upon and then published ‘A Vision for Lanark 2020–30’. We reviewed the heritage resources of the area, and considered the social and economic benefits of developing them in a more integrated way. In short it was a ‘place making’ plan for the historic town of Lanark, its adjacent conservation areas, world heritage site, national nature reserve and designed landscapes. Upon adoption the area’s key heritage players formed a management group to develop and fundraise for joint projects. The Vision’s founding partners included Lanark Community Development Trust, New Lanark Trust, Discover Lanark and the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The Vision has been supported by the local authority, industry and trust funds.
CMC were then asked to develop a project action plan for the Vision and to assist in fundraising applications. The aspirations list inevitably grew large. There was, and still is, much to do, so projects were prioritised by the Partnership and inevitably by funding opportunities. The time scale for the Vision is the next decade plus, and projects have already been delivered and significant applications made. However, perhaps the Vision’s main success is already achieved: the value and practice of Lanark’s heritage bodies, local and national, working together and with the community is now a given.
CMC Associates has worked in Lanark for a number of years now. Crucially they provided a range of local organisations with expert advice and sympathetic guidance as we developed a heritage led community regeneration strategy the ‘Vision for Lanark’. CMC proved to be a leader in strategies for preserving and presenting local heritage, while also being adept at working flexibly and innovatively to meet the aspirations of community organisations.
Graham U’ren, Chair of the Vision for Lanark Partnership Group
