World Heritage Site application pack ‘goes live’

In January, the Culture Minister, Margaret Hodge, announced that as a result of the public consultation on the future of the UK’s World Heritage policy, a shorter new list was to be compiled containing fewer prospective sites but ones which are far more likely to succeed.  The UK currently has 28 World Heritage Sites and is among the ten best-represented states on the World Heritage List.

As the application packs become available, Ms Hodge said:

“I am looking forward to seeing a new generation of sites take their place alongside some of the world’s most iconic World Heritage Sites, such as Stonehenge, the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China.  This is a new and exciting opportunity to think about what we can offer to the world with places of outstanding universal value that will help showcase the very best of the UK.“ 

Application packs are available on the DCMS website and an independent expert panel will be established to advise Ministers on applications.  The closing date for applications is 11 June 2010, with a final decision expected in spring 2011.