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Heritage and Urban Green Spaces: The Value and Use of Waggonways

Understanding the importance of post-industrial heritage spaces in Newcastle through a case study of the Coxlodge waggonway.

Dr Lucy Grimshaw

Project Lead

Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing

Email: lucy.grimshaw@northumbria.ac.uk

 

Project Themes

Mobility & Transport

Resilience & Sustainability

Health & Wellbeing

 

Understanding the Challenge

Waggonways are part of the North East’s post-industrial heritage and now provide routes for walking, cycling, wheeling as well as a rich array of wildlife. Considerations of neighbourhood quality, green spaces and liveable/sustainable cities often ignore heritage and its contribution to our sense of place and wellbeing. Yet, features of local heritage can  play a pivotal role in developing people’s sense of place. 

 

Our Approach

This project will explore the value and use of post-industrial heritage spaces in Newcastle. Our approach places heritage at the centre of discussions about the use and value of urban green spaces. We will produce an interactive online map of existing waggonways in Tyneside identifying location, green space, social and heritage infrastructure, residential and industrial/employment spaces. We will also review existing research on the history and development of waggonways and the use and value of urban green spaces. Finally, a case study of the Coxlodge waggonway will explore how this space is valued and used by people. 


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