Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet

Work areas: options appraisals, conservation management, activity planning

We prepared an HLF application for Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, a unique eighteenth century industrial works in Sheffield. The £1 million project focused on conserving the fascinating industrial machinery, and creating a new learning centre and making the site easier for visitors to understand.

 

We supported the development of the project, undertaking an Options Appraisal to identify appropriate solutions for the site. Following this, we developed a suite of project documents including an Activity Plan and Interpretation Plan. We also produced a Conservation Management Plan for the site, which is a Grade I listed Scheduled Ancient Monument.

 

The bid was successful, and we worked with Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust to support the implementation of the project. The site reopened to the public in summer 2014.

 

Moat Brae, Dumfries

Work areas: business planning, activity planning

We developed a business plan and activity plan to support a new project in Dumfries: Moat Brae - the birthplace of Peter Pan. This beautiful Georgian house is set to become a new centre for children's literature.

 

The garden that inspired JM Barrie will be transformed into a never land and the house will be full of opportunities to re-imagine and create stories. The plans will support bids to the Heritage Lottery Fund and Creative Scotland as part of a £6 million project.

 

Image: Graeme Robertson, courtesy of Moat Brae.

 

Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens

Work areas: project management, interpretation planning, activity planning

We are working with the Kelmarsh Trust in Northamptonshire on their 'Tunnelling through the Past' project. The Trust hope to restore some of the service areas of the house, including the nineteenth century laundry, the butler's pantry and a hidden underground tunnel. As well as supporting the development for the project, we are creating the activity and interpretation plans. The new interpretation will help visitors understand what kept the house running and will support visits from many different audiences, from learners with additional needs to coach trips and family visitors.

 

The Cathedral Church of St Marie's, Sheffield

Work areas: interpretation planning, activity planning

We developed activity and interpretation plans to support a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore the church's hidden treasures, including a wonderful 1875 organ and beautiful Victorian tiling. The interpretation proposals were developed in collaboration with design consultancy Mather & Co.

 

Rockingham Village Hall

Work areas: activity planning, consultation, interpretation

Rockingham Village Hall is an historic school house situated in a small Northamptonshire town. It is managed by a volunteer-run charity who now intend to develop the hall as a community and heritage learning facility via a Heritage Lottery Fund project.

 

DBA Consulting were commissioned to produce an evidence-based Activity Plan for the Round Two HLF bid. The activity plan considers the potential audience in terms of local people and formal education groups, and uses this information to develop activities which will meet the learning and participation needs of the defined audiences. The bid was successful and the project is now underway.

 

The Gaskells' House, Manchester

Work areas: activity planning, interpretation planning, business planning

We worked with Manchester Historic Buildings Trust to develop a Business Plan, an Activity Plan and an Interpretation Plan for the Gaskells' House, the home of novelist Elizabeth Gaskell. The plans supported a sucessful Round Two Heritage Lottery Fund bid for a £2.4 million project to repair, conserve and develop the building into a sustainable venue for heritage learning and community activity.

 

English Heritage, Conisbrough Castle

Work areas: HLF applications

In 2012 we advised English Heritage on a successful £1 million Round Two HLF submission for Conisbrough Castle. We developed the application and supporting documents and edited and advised on the activity plan.

 

Annesley Old Church

Work areas: activity planning, consultation

Annesley Old Church is a Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument. DBA Consulting were commissioned by Ashfield District Council to produce an Activity Plan for a successful Round Two HLF bid for the site.

 

The Activity Plan was developed to meet HLF guidelines and to form a realistic future plan for the project. The project was successfully delivered by Council staff working alongside volunteer groups.