Summerlee Heritage Park  The Future

Clare Weir, Lynn Sinclair, Emma Peattie and Barrie Duncan make up the dynamic new team entrusted with bringing the Summerlee project to life.

They will be responsible for re-interpreting the collections within increased display space and creating displays that respond to the needs of everyone who visits.  Clare is excited about the challenges that lie ahead and hopes that the local people will take up the challenge.
 

Summerlee Heritage Park - Brick Collection  - Just a small part of the Summerlee Collection managed by Matthew Hulme

She said: “The success of the work we are undertaking is very much reliant on the feedback we receive from people of Coatbridge, Airdrie and beyond.

“We each have responsibility for a particular research area which will improve the main exhibition hall and need information and materials on the various topics.

 “I have responsibility for the Coal industry and would appreciate any objects from former miners, their experiences and personal stories from their time spent working in the area.”

Another main area being researched by the team is the First and Second World War – particularly industries in Lanarkshire that helped with the war effort. There will also be a focus on immigration and the various cultures that are now represented in the area.

The team are also looking to collect objects that reflect the multi-cultural heritage of North Lanarkshire.

Clare added: “All of the areas we are focussing on are equally important and we are keen to speak to anyone who can help with any of the topics.

“The iron and steel industry is also a key area and we would welcome any information from people who worked in the industry throughout Lanarkshire and who were involved in the trade unions representing these industries.

“Personal stories of what it was like working during the industrial times would help us greatly and we would equally appreciate any items people may wish to donate which would improve the exhibitions.”

Football has always played a significant part in lives of people living in Lanarkshire, and Summerlee Heritage Park will look to represent this with enhanced displays on Albion Rovers FC and Airdrie FC.

Lynn Sinclair will have responsibility for this area and again is hoping that local people will be able to help her recount the fortunes of the two local sides.

She said: “Both Albion Rovers and Airdrie have proud histories that we would like to represent and I would appeal to anyone with information on either of the clubs to get in touch.

“Old match day tickets, programmes or any other memorabilia that fans may have would be a great help and ensure that we accurately depict the achievements of both clubs.”

The research team are based in Summerlee Heritage Park and would welcome any information from local people who have experience of the proud history of Lanarkshire. To get in touch with any member of the team, call 01236 431261 or email WeirC@northlan.gov.uk

The ambitious, high-profile project is being jointly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Departmental Capital Fund, the Scottish Museums Council and a North Lanarkshire Council External Funding Group.

The £9million redevelopment will include a new entrance for the main hall incorporating a visitor orientation space; creating an education and lifelong learning suite and upgrading the industrial storage to improve collections care.

A project team, chaired by the council’s Head of Facility Support Services, has been established and includes officers from Community Services, Design Services and the Department of Planning.

The next stage of the work will be completed early next year and it is anticipated that building work will begin on the Summerlee site in late summer 2006.

Carol Haddow, North Lanarkshire Council Museums and Heritage Manager, added: “This is a very exciting project for the people of North Lanarkshire and will firmly put Summerlee on the map as a key tourist attraction.

“Lanarkshire has a proud history and we are confident that this project will ensure that every aspect of this famous heritage is represented.

“This is an opportunity for local people to contribute themselves and help to make sure that the redevelopment is a huge success.”