MEMORIES of local people should be fed into regeneration schemes for their areas, according to a conference which opened in the North East yesterday.
The conference at Sunderland University has been organised by the Oral History Society to examine how the voices of ordinary people can be heard in regeneration and redevelopment projects.
The conference, being held in association with Living History North East and UK Regeneration, involves 85 delegates and continues today.
Anne Gulland, of the Oral History Society, said: “The idea is that architects, planners, developers and councils should take into account the views and memories of people living in areas which are being regenerated.
“Just because an area may be run down, it does not mean local people do not have feelings about the place.”
Recording these can result in the creation of artworks, performances, books, or the retention of particular buildings or neighbourhood features which are important to people.
Janette Hilton is project director at Living History North East, which runs oral history sessions. She said: “Oral history gives people the opportunity to see that their feelings, thoughts and experiences are being recorded. People can sometimes feel threatened and that their identity is at risk if their voices are not heard.
“The conference will be a great opportunity for local people to find out how their voices can be heard in regeneration projects.”
Living History is based in the East End of Sunderland, a major regeneration area, and acquired and restored a listed school to use as its headquarters.
Chris Mullin, author, former MP for Sunderland South, and chairman of the Heritage Lottery Fund in the North East, was due to give a talk to delegates. Conference speakers include Roger Madelin, joint chief executive of property developers Argent, Paul Evans, director of UK Regeneration and Fred Robinson, professorial fellow at St Chad’s College, Durham University and an expert on economic and social development. The conference will also hear of regeneration projects in the Ouseburn in Newcastle and in North Tyneside.
