Charnwood Borough Council has marked 100 years of the Shelthorpe estate in Loughborough by creating the Shelthorpe ARchive — a series of videos showcasing the area's heritage and residents' personal stories.

The project uses augmented reality (AR) technology. People can download the free Graff.io Arts AR app and scan numbers placed in windows of Shelthorpe businesses, or scan letters from the Shelthorpe ARchive Heritage Trail leaflet, to view stories on a phone or tablet. The videos are also available on the Council website at www.charnwood.gov.uk/shelthorpearchive.

Street improvements and investment

The centenary project extended beyond the AR trail. The shopping area around Park Road roundabout received additional CCTV, a deep clean and other street improvements. The work was supported by £60,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Council and community involvement

Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, Lead Member for Housing, Economic Development, Regeneration and Town Centres, said: "It has been so special to celebrate the Shelthorpe estate. It is such an important milestone for all the people that lived there and still do."

Cllr Beverley Gray, Shelthorpe ward councillor, added: "Shelthorpe has a rich history, and it is only right we acknowledge and celebrate that. It's been wonderful to see the community come together, share their stories and take great pride in where they live."

Cllr Anne Gray, also a Shelthorpe ward councillor, attended school in the area. She said: "I'd like to say a big thank you to the resident who first alerted us to the centenary, to local businesses and all residents who helped on the day and shared stories. Thanks also to officers at Charnwood Borough Council who helped make our event a reality. And huge thanks to the Local Studies team at the library who put together a great exhibition and produced a booklet."

Fellow ward councillor Sarah Maynard said: "It has been fantastic to learn so much about the history of Shelthorpe and I encourage people to explore the trail and hear all the wonderful stories."

Production and partners

Local creative company Creative Initiatives CIC, based in Loughborough, produced the trail and videos with support from the Loughborough Library Local Studies Group.

Lifelong Shelthorpe resident Graham Swan, who runs Swanny's Tattoo Studio, features in one of the videos.