York Civic Trust wants to know which buildings in Acomb and Westfield are important to its residents
We have just launched Our Place: Acomb and Westfield, a new heritage outreach project inviting local people to explore, celebrate, and care for what makes their neighbourhood unique. The project launches in the Trust’s 80th year and Our Place: Acomb and Westfield is funded with the help of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It begins on the 18 February and is based at Acomb Explore Library.
Working with residents, the project will uncover hidden gems, local memories, and untold stories, helping to build a stronger sense of place, pride, and connection across the communities of Acomb and Westfield. The project responds to evidence showing that fewer people in the area feel a strong sense of belonging compared to the city average, and that local heritage is often overlooked in wider narratives of York.
Acomb Explore Library
The project is based at Acomb Explore Library, where an interactive installation will be in place from February to August. The Trust invites residents to head to the library to share memories, nominate meaningful places, and highlight the buildings, spaces, and stories they feel deserve more recognition and care. The display will ask a variety of questions during its installation, starting with which buildings and places are important to the area’s residents.
Alongside the installation, there will be a programme of free community events throughout spring and summer, including creative workshops, guided ‘walkshops’, pop-up activities and community celebrations focused on local places and green spaces.
Heritage Grants
Later in the year, York Civic Trust will fund community-led heritage grants for projects in Acomb and Westfield that emerge as important during the first phase of the project. The initiative will also support the development of local heritage ambassadors, helping residents care for places they value beyond the life of the project.
Acomb and Westfield residents can take part in the project by heading to Acomb Explore Library from 18th February to share their views. They can also find out about upcoming workshops and events here:
