Date: 15.01.2025

by Adam Dworak

National Lottery Heritage Fund Invests £27m to Revitalize UK’s Historic Buildings

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has unveiled a £27m investment to restore seven iconic heritage sites across the UK. This initiative aims to preserve the historical significance of these buildings while repurposing them for community use.

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Major Restorations Across the UK

Among the recipients, the historic Palais de Danse in St Ives, known for its connections to artist Barbara Hepworth, will receive £2.8m. The funding will restore the venue and open it to the public for the first time in 65 years, showcasing its 300-year legacy.

Other projects include:

  • Jumbo Water Tower, Colchester: Awarded £8m to transform the Grade II listed structure into a heritage and events hub.
  • Canada House, Sheffield: A £4.7m grant will convert this space into Harmony Works, a music centre dedicated to young performers.
  • The Strand, Belfast: Northern Ireland’s last art deco cinema has been granted £768,000 for redevelopment.
  • Kingsley Hall, Bristol: Allocated £4.7m to create opportunities for young people at risk of homelessness.

Additional projects include the conversion of Marchwell Stables in Chichester and the redevelopment of Edinburgh’s Old Royal High School into a cultural centre.

Community and Wellbeing Focus

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, highlighted the importance of modernizing these heritage sites for community use:

“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.”

Preserving Worship Spaces

The fund also continues its commitment to religious heritage, with £1.25m allocated at the end of 2024 to preserve historic places of worship across the UK.