tott.org.uk
Tilbury on the Thames Trust
Back on Track
Back on Track is a community‑led heritage project. This is part of a wider commercial effort to restore and celebrate the Grade II* Tilbury Cruise Terminal.
About this image
Tilbury Docks lighters and large vessels, 1967. Catalogue reference: INF 14/241.
About the project
- Funder
- Timeframe
2025–2028
- In partnership with
- The National Archives' project lead
The Back on Track project is a Heritage Lottery Fund–supported community heritage and commercial initiative led by Tilbury on the Thames Trust. This is part of wider regeneration and capital works at Tilbury Riverside and cruise terminal. The project will see the riverside station reconfigured to include a new café, event spaces and access to the Tilbury Gravesend ferry.
The project centres on community‑led research, interpretation and learning, using heritage as a tool to support skills development, confidence‑building and long‑term engagement in the local area.
A key element of the project is the development of a Community Researcher Group. This group will be supported through tailored skills development, mentoring and access to archival collections.
Working in partnership with The National Archives, the project enables community researchers to explore how national collections intersect with local histories, particularly themes of migration, work and place. This collaboration also provides valuable insight into how archives can better support non‑specialist and community‑led research.
Alongside this, Back on Track places strong emphasis on schools and education. The project builds connections with local schools, including targeted continuing professional development for teachers, supporting the use of archival material in curriculum design and classroom practice. Rooted in local history and site‑specific learning, the project aims to embed heritage meaningfully within education while addressing areas that have experienced significant demographic change.
Overall, Back on Track combines community research, education and partnership. By doing this, it is working to create a sustainable, inclusive model for engaging people with heritage and archives.
Learn more about Back on Track