Dating from the late 14th and early 15th century, Hylton Castle is a Grade I Listed Scheduled Ancient Monument situated to the north of Sunderland and is one of the city’s oldest and most significant heritage assets. It is sited within Hylton Dene, a unique and historic landscape in the heart of a residential area that contains fours sites of Nature Conservation Importance.

Tricolor was responsible for creating the Vision Statement, Activity Plan and Business Plan for this medieval castle which is being redeveloped into the first youth-led heritage and skills-building attraction in the UK. The Activity Plan was developed by Tricolor in partnership with Sunderland City Council, over 30 different community groups including the Friends of Hylton Dene and over 580 local people.

There was limited information available on current audiences as Hylton Castle was only open on limited days for specific events such as Heritage Open Days – the project was to create a new venue. As such there was only a small amount of existing information about visitors or potential visitors.

Tricolor developed the idea of the Castle as a community hub, with a particular focus on engaging young people. The location of Hylton Castle is in a residential area so this approach is designed to create local advocates for the project and reduce the likelihood of vandalism and anti-social behaviour whilst also creating repeat visitors.

Consultation and Activity Plan Business Planning, Marketing Planning, Mentoring