The funding aims to restore and repurpose these historic sites, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
Key points:
- Seven historic UK buildings will receive £27m in preservation funding, including the former Palais de Danse casino and dance hall in St Ives
- The largest single grant of £8m was awarded to Colchester's Jumbo Water Tower
- The initiative aims to preserve historic sites while providing educational and community benefits
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has announced £27m ($32.8m) in grants to preserve seven significant UK heritage buildings, including the historic Palais de Danse in St Ives which will open to the public for the first time in 65 years.
The former dance hall and casino venue will receive £2.8m to restore and showcase its 300-year history, including its connection to renowned artist Barbara Hepworth.
Other notable projects receiving funding include the Grade II listed Jumbo Water Tower in Colchester, which has been awarded £8m to create a new heritage and events space, and Sheffield's Canada House, which will receive £4.7m to transform into Harmony Works, a music centre for young performers.
The Strand in Belfast, Northern Ireland's last remaining art deco picture house, has been granted £768,000 for redevelopment work, while Bristol's Kingsley Hall will receive £4.7m to create opportunities for young people at risk of homelessness.
Additional projects include the conversion of Marchwell Stables in Chichester and the development of Edinburgh's Old Royal High School into a cultural centre.
Good to know: Over the past 30 years, the Fund has invested £3.3bn in more than 10,300 historic building projects across the UK
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, emphasised the importance of repurposing these historic buildings for modern community use, stating: “It is wonderful to start the New Year investing in projects that are saving heritage treasures across the UK.
“With decades of shared memories, these exceptional buildings will be repurposed for the 21st century at the centre of communities and places.
“We'll work with those who care for heritage, transforming historic gems and positively adding to wellbeing and educational opportunities for young people, making heritage the focus of communities, places and the UK economy.”
At the end of 2024, the National Lottery Heritage Fund also allocated £1.25m to preserve historic places of worship.
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