Heritage sites to be preserved with millionaire funds from the National Lottery

Popular heritage sites across the UK have received a total of more than £24 million in funding from the National Lottery to help preserve them for the future.

Projects stretching from Penzance to John O’Groats and in Wales and Northern Ireland are among those set to benefit.

It comes as the National Lottery Heritage Fund launches its new 10-year strategy which aims to invest £3.6bn in heritage with a “focus on place-based investment, partnerships and sustainability”.

Photocall of the National Lottery Heritage Fund — Dinosaur Island in Crystal Palace Park, south London (Aaron Chown/PA)

Among the projects is an application for funding valued at nearly £5m by Crystal Palace Park in south-east London.

The funds will help advance the park’s regeneration plan, which includes restoration work on the Tidal Lakes, a new dinosaur-themed playground and an information center.

The park is on the High Risk Heritage Register in part due to the condition of the dinosaurs that have lingered there for almost 170 years.

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Crystal Palace Park embodies the joy of heritage, from its nature walks and unique dinosaurs to the kaleidoscope of sporting and cultural activities that take place on its magnificent grounds. .

“It is as important to local communities as its history is important internationally.

“We are delighted that, thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to save beloved heritage like Crystal Palace Park across the UK and create benefits for people, places and our natural environment.

“In 1852, Crystal Palace Park was designed to impress, educate, entertain and inspire. Our funding will help ensure it continues to do just that for generations to come.”

In Penzance in Cornwall, Gardeners’ House has been awarded more than £2 million to repurpose a historic stable to create a new green community centre.

In Scotland, John O’Groats Mill will receive nearly £1.6m for restoration so that it can engage with the community to help provide opportunities in the surrounding area.

Hilden Mill School in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, will receive more than £800,000 to transform its disused building into a tea room and crèches for the town’s families.

The Trinity Center in Cardiff is awarded £892,000 to help fund improvements to the charity’s base so it can better support the work of 24 groups.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund said all investment decisions in its 10-year plan will be based on four principles: saving heritage, protecting the environment, inclusion, access and participation, and organizational sustainability.

Source