Context 153 - March 2018

C O N T E X T 1 5 3 : M A R C H 2 0 1 8 17 I S L E O F M A N Building conservation matters in the Isle of Man Planning policy is one of my responsibilities as minister for policy and reform in the Isle of Man Government. I also chair Culture Vannin, which formed its Building Conservation Forum as buildings are an important element in Manx culture – the culture that ‘shapes who we are as a nation, and provides the story we tell about ourselves to others, both nationally and internationally’. I guess these roles earned me the privilege of writing the introduction to this Isle-of-Man-themed issue of Context . But it is also my pleasure to write a few words. I know that building conservation matters, in our island as elsewhere, and this publication is important and timely. It promises to be another milestone in the development of better public policy for our island’s historic built environment, alongside things like the publications of the local Alliance for Building Conservation and activity in our recently concluded 12-month Isle of Architecture celebration. There is certainly a sense of place in the island, as has been acknowledged in various texts and contexts over the years. For instance, in 2016 the Isle of Man was designated a Unesco Biosphere Reserve for connecting people and the economy with nature, wildlife, culture, heritage and communities. In recognition of this the Isle of Man is celebrating a ‘Year of Our Island’ in 2018, promoting the Isle of Man as a special place to live and work. The island is also a microcosm. As such it can be contemplated in the whole with a realistic chance of understanding how things are, have been and could be, all in the round. Moreover, these are certainly interesting times for planning and conservation, with the launch of an area strategic plan this May and a fully-fledged review of our planning system taking place, including the possibility to enhance how we approach historic buildings registration (listing) and conservation. Specifically Tynwald, our national parliament, resolved in 2016 that it ‘encourages the review of government strategies, plans and policies to raise the quality of the island’s architecture and built environment, including those aimed to conserve its built heritage’. That is what is happening. An extract from my speech in that Tynwald debate sets the context. ‘Although we might sometimes take much of it for granted,’ I said, ‘the Isle of Man is blessed with an important and varied architectural heritage. Beyond the obvious structures of offices, shops and housing estates, we have bronze- and iron-age structures, keeills and churches, castles and forts, houses, industrial buildings, power stations and other buildings necessary for a flourishing economy in the 21st century. This is a key element in giving us our identity and our sense of place. However, there is a danger that we take these buildings for granted. There is a danger that we allow inappropriate building development and demolition. ‘We need to ensure that we preserve and care for the best of these buildings, and ensure that future developments are designed and built well to enhance what we can all be proud of, leaving something to those who come after us to treasure as I hope we do. This is what this motion is about: activity to make sure that what is intended in important documents actually is realised... More generally, creating a positive financial and tax regime for built heritage and the built environment, so that maintenance, conservation and investment are encouraged and modern, appropriate use is secured.’ I thank the IHBC for the opportunity of this issue of Context , and thank the authors, photographers and editors for fascinating contributions. Over the years, Ashley Pettit, a local architect and my friend, has talked with enthusiasm about the IHBC’s work. It became clear why when I met Mike Taylor, chair of Context’s editorial board, and discussed what the IHBC had achieved and how it was trying to contribute. I believe we are thinking a bit more here in the Isle of Man about the buildings around us and what is important to us about them. It is great that we can share these buildings and thoughts with you, and I welcome your thoughts and suggestions about them. Gura mie eu. Chris Thomas Hon Chris Thomas MHK, a member of the House of Keys, the elected branch of Tynwald, and minister for policy and reform, Isle of Man Government. See Vox pop, page 54 Ellan Vannin