Management Plan Review
The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site Management Plan must be reviewed every 10 years in line with UNESCO’s Operational Guidelines.
Historic England’s 2025 guidance states that every UK World Heritage Site must have an up‑to‑date management plan, usually lasting between 5 and 10 years. This plan sets out the Site’s Outstanding Universal Value, how it will be protected, and the actions needed to secure its future.
The current plan (2017–2027) is nearing its end, and work is underway to develop a new plan for 2027–2037 that meets both international and national expectations.
Over the past decade, partners across the Ironbridge Gorge have delivered important conservation work. This includes protecting vulnerable heritage assets, stabilising high‑risk areas, improving public spaces, upgrading flood‑resilience infrastructure, and introducing the park and ride service.
These actions have helped the Site respond to challenges such as reduced visitor numbers following COVID‑19. The next management plan will build on this progress, ensuring the Site continues to thrive as a living, sustainable World Heritage Site.
The new plan
A structured review process is now underway to create the 2027–2037 Ironbridge Gorge Management Plan. This work involves partners, stakeholders, and the local community and follows Historic England and UNESCO guidance.
Earlier in 2026, an initial period of public and stakeholder engagement was carried out. This included an online survey, discussions with community groups, and engagement with local and national organisations. The feedback received is now being analysed and is informing the development of the first draft of the new Management Plan.
Work is currently focused on reviewing this feedback, assessing progress made under the current plan, and identifying key challenges and opportunities for the future.
There will be further opportunities for residents, businesses and stakeholders to comment as the draft plan develops.
Consultation Findings
Thank you to everyone who took part in the initial consultation earlier this year. A high level of engagement was received, with valuable feedback shared through the public survey and discussions with community groups and partner organisations.
This feedback is helping to shape the priorities and objectives for the next Management Plan.
You can explore a summary of the consultation findings here
Please note: this report is not suitable for screen readers or keyboard users.
Next steps
The project has now moved into the next phase, focusing on preparing the first draft of the Management Plan, informed by consultation feedback and ongoing engagement with partners and national organisations.
Further consultation will take place once the draft plan is available, giving the public and stakeholders another opportunity to review and comment before the plan is finalised.
Project milestones
Stage 1: Early engagement and evidence gathering (February–March 2026)
Completed. Feedback gathered through public survey, stakeholder discussions and community engagement has informed the evidence base.
Stage 2: Developing draft objectives (Spring–Summer 2026)
In progress. Consultation feedback is being reviewed and used to shape draft priorities and objectives.
Stage 3: Public consultation on the draft plan (Autumn / Winter 2026)
The draft Management Plan will be published for public consultation. People will be invited to comment through events, online feedback and written responses.
Stage 4: Final approval and adoption (Winter 2026 / 2027)
The final plan will be updated following consultation and submitted for approval before being adopted and shared with UNESCO.
