ABSTRACT
Amongst the many possible contemporary uses of the past, that of local economic regeneration has long been a prominent development option. In the European case, the economic motive for heritage policies has traditionally played a role, generally subsequent and subservient to that of ideological legitimation and political identification. Small towns have by definition a local economy that has a limited internal market and thus a high propensity to import from elsewhere. The fortress at Nieuweschans was established in 1628 by the national government to replace an older and less well located fort at Oudeschans. The employed population of the gemeente is only 2,800 with a 22% unemployment rate in Nieuweschans itself. The heritage resources available include a relatively large number of National Monuments including the 'Guard House' and artillery officers' quarters. These are spatially clustered in the centre of the town flanking the central exercise area, an elongated oval area, now planted as a park.
