News

Egyptian appointed as Durham’s World Heritage Site Co-ordinator

(2 July 2008)

Durham University has appointed Durham's first World Heritage Site co-ordinator.

From the pyramids of Egypt to the spires of Durham, Seif El Rashidi’s appointment is certainly a change of scene. The Egyptian, who brings a wealth of experience in conservation and heritage management, will co-ordinate and implement plans for the World Heritage Site of Durham’s Castle and Cathedral. Before joining the University, Seif was Head of Urban Planning for the Aga Khan Trust, in charge of implementing a conservation plan for the World Heritage Site of Historic Cairo. He also worked to set up a museum about the history of Cairo, coordinating a number of partner organizations and overseeing fundraising and public awareness. In his new role, Seif is responsible for implementing the World Heritage Site Management Plan. The Management Plan, developed by a steering group made up of local and national organisations*, has been designed to maximise the Palace Green Site’s potential as a historical and educational resource for its local community and many visitors. Durham’s Palace Green site became a World Heritage Site in 1986, becoming one of the first of the UK’s 26 sites internationally recognised for their outstanding universal cultural or natural value. Seif will be responsible for the conservation of the Palace Green’s architectural and historical significance, and for establishing a visitors’ centre which will inform residents and tourists about the Site. The role is funded by Durham University, Durham Cathedral Chapter, Durham City Council, Durham County Council, Durham City Vision, English Heritage and One NorthEast. Seif said: “My vision is to present not just a group of impressive buildings, but to enable the visitor to enjoy a much more rounded experience of the World Heritage Site. “I want each visitor to be able to appreciate and understand the cultural and historical context of the Cathedral and Castle through learning about the lives of the people that shaped the buildings - as well as marveling at the architecture.” Cairo born and bred, Seif vowed to return to the UK after having studied for a Masters degree at the London School of Economics in 2001. Historic buildings aside, he is inspired by Durham’s vibrant student community, which he aims to include in his development activities, along with the Durham University community and a wide range of stakeholders. He said: “The residents of Durham recognise the world heritage site as one of the city’s most important assets. This means that there are many different ideas about its future potential, so the main challenge for me will be to develop proposals that incorporate the best of everyone’s ideas to achieve the best for the Site and its visitors.” Durham University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Higgins, said: “Durham University is the only university in the world that can boast that its community owns, lives and works in a World Heritage Site, and it already brings enjoyment to so many. “Seif’s appointment shows how seriously the University takes its role in preserving this site for the enjoyment of future generations of Durham’s residents, students and visitors.” Canon Rosalind Brown of Durham Cathedral, and Chair of the World Heritage Site Co-ordinating Committee, said "The Cathedral is central to the World Heritage Site and is looking forward to working still more closely with the other partners to enhance the site and its facilities. Already Seif is making a difference and the prospects are exciting." * The Durham World Heritage Site Management Plan, funded by One NorthEast, was prepared by heritage consultants Chris Blandford Associates on behalf of the World Heritage Site Management Plan steering group. The steering group and co-ordinating committee now overseeing the implementation of the plan, include representatives from Durham City Council, Durham County Council, Durham University, The Chapter of Durham Cathedral, English Heritage, ICOMOS-UK (International Council on Monuments and Sites - UK) and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.