Kate Dickson Email & Phone Number

Buxton, Derbyshire

Creative Heritage is a multi-disciplinary consultancy providing advice to those with responsibilities for heritage assets, especially historic buildings at risk. Services include options appraisal studies, funding advice, project management and voluntary sector capacity building. Particular expertise in undertaking heritage impact assessments to support creative re-use developments. Clients may be private owners, local authorities or voluntary sector organisations.

Manchester, United Kingdom

Pleased to be 'giving back' to my old school, as a member of the Board of Governors and Chair of the Estates Committee.

Birmingham, United Kingdom

Consultant project manager for £2.3m Heritage Lottery Fund project to repair Victorian factory buildings in the Jewellery Quarter and conversion to enterprise workspace, offices for Birmingham Conservation Trust and a visitor attraction / conservation centre for the Newman Brothers Coffin Fittings Works collection. Working with very high quality design team and able group of Trustees and Trust staff, with role to manage financial aspects of the project and ensure delivery on time, budget and to specification. Exciting and fun project with great potential, supporting a sustainable new future for BCT.

Birmingham, United Kingdom

I 'held the fort' at Birmingham Conservation Trust for three months at the end of 2012 whilst a new permanent Director was recruited. Key activities included keeping the Coffin Fitting Works project on track (aiming for a start on site in Spring 2013), resolving financial issues, drawing down committed grants and fundraising. I also worked with Trustees on future strategy, capacity-building to assist with management of the Coffin Works during the construction phase. I particularly enjoyed supporting BCT's talented and enthusiastic community development officer and volunteers who ran a series of twilight tours of the Coffin Works during the winter months.

Long Eaton, Derbyshire

Provision of project management resources on a consultancy basis, providing maternity cover for the Council's THI officer. Role involved management of two capital projects on site (quality inspections, grant claim processing etc) and the delivery of 'complementary initiatives' to engage the wider community. In April & October 2013 I organised on-site hands-on brick repairs and re-pointing courses to up-skill contractors to meet THI conservation quality expectations. In November 2013 I managed a series of celebratory events to mark the end of the capital programme, including publications, an exhibition in an empty shop, a SPAB maintenance workshop and a party!

Elected member of the Council (chosen by the membership rather than as a representative of an appointed body) for a three year term. Attended national Council meetings and Midlands Regional Advisory Board meetings, taking a particular interest in developments at Hardwick Stableyard and at Brockhampton. A most privileged position which I thoroughly enjoyed, despite very limited opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to the work of this wonderful organisation.

Manchester, United Kingdom

Heritage Works (formerly Ancoats BPT), is a voluntary sector organisation charged with the conservation and re-use of historic buildings at risk in England and Wales. The Trust is best known for its award-winning regeneration projects in Ancoats, Manchester, including the £12m repair of Murrays’ Mills and the innovative ‘Skills, Schools & Stories’ community engagement programme, for which I was Project Manager. Following the widening of its geographical remit in 2007, I led the organisation in undertaking projects and commissions in Merseyside, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Options appraisals were completed for listed buildings at risk in Liverpool, Manchester and Bradford. Recent studies include an assessment of the economic viability of textile mill regeneration projects in Pennine Lancashire (for English Heritage), and a Conservation Management Plan for Murgatroyd’s No 1 Brine Pump in Middlewich, Cheshire.

The 21st Century Halls programme provided Millennium Commission (National Lottery) funding for village hall projects. As a grants officer I had responsibility for the delivery of the programme in the west of England - from Wiltshire to Cumbria! This was my first introduction to social enterprise and the power of the voluntarily sector.

Full Member

Ma, Urban Design And Regeneration

Post-Graduate Diploma, Architecture

Ma, Architecture

Activities and Societies: During my time in Edinburgh I sang in the Choir of St Giles Cathedral, as well as in the University Chamber.

8 'O' Levels; 4 'A' Levels, Particularly Enjoyed Geography

Activities and Societies: Played hockey for school - in goal! Fully involved in a range of musical activities - orchestra, choirs, chamber.