- Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust among nearly 140 heritage organisations to benefit from share of the £15.5 million latest round of awards
- The award will enable the Abbey to continue to build on its offer with confidence and further develop plans to bring back life to its 19th century stable block which is an important part of the 550 acre historic site
- The stable block will be developed as a mix used space supporting the Trust’s wellbeing and ecology programme
Delapré Abbey in Northampton has received a grant of £150,300 from the Government’s latest round of the Culture Recovery Fund. This will enable the Trust to continue to fund development work to realise the restoration of the 19th century stables which sit within the grounds of the historic Abbey.
A new feasibility plan has been developed in response to the impacts and demands created from the pandemic. This funding will enable plans for curation of the site to take place and ensure that the final offer complements the existing visitor attraction, supports a thriving visitor economy, creates jobs, and most importantly supports the needs of the community.
Richard Clinton, Chief Executive of Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, said:
“We welcome the news that we have been successful in securing funding from the Culture Recovery Fund. This is the largest award that we have received during the pandemic and is testament to the work that we do to engage and support the community whilst promoting improved wellbeing and access to green spaces.
“The funding will help us to continue to develop exciting plans for the stables with confidence, which we look forward to develop with the public in the new year.”
Nearly 140 heritage organisations in England will benefit from £15.5 million this Christmas thanks to the Government’s unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage.
This winter sites like Alexandra Park and Palace and The British Music Experience in Liverpool will receive a share of £14.8 million in continuity support grants as part of this next round of funding. Almost £1 million in emergency grants will also be awarded to 12 Heritage organisations struggling to survive, providing them with a financial lifeline.
A total of £138 million has been awarded to heritage organisations from the three rounds of the government’s £2 billion Culture Recovery Fund support package made available for arts, culture and heritage organisations during the pandemic. This third round of grants are part of the additional £300 million announced by the Chancellor at March’s Budget.
Heritage Minister Nigel Huddleston said:
“I’m delighted that this vital funding from our unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund is giving so many brilliant heritage organisations a helping hand this winter. I want everyone to enjoy what our fascinating and diverse heritage has to offer and with this money we’re safeguarding these organisations for generations to come.”
Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive, National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“This latest round of the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage provides a welcome Christmas boost for Heritage organisations. With the situation changing daily, the funding will be crucial in helping heritage sites navigate their seasonal activities ensuring the safety of their visitors and their communities. The grants will also support organisations in implementing business plans as they work round the challenges for the coming year, helping financial sustainability and driving tourism so that we can look to a bright future for our heritage sector.”
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive, Historic England said:
“We are delighted that the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage grants continue to keep so many heritage organisations going. From major historic buildings to small community organisations promoting local heritage – all deserve this support, to continue to open up to everyone the opportunities that our shared history creates.”
Investing in heritage will support Covid19 economic recovery and make communities better places to live, creating jobs, driving tourism and improving wellbeing.
The Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage is administered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, in partnership with Historic England on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Despite the challenges and ongoing restrictions caused by Covid-19, Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust has worked hard over the past 18 months to support the local community, announcing earlier this year that 7500 local families will be gifted an Annual Pass for 2021/22. A new business plan sees the Trust focussing on heritage and culture, wellbeing and the environment, and animating unloved spaces, with the aim to broaden reach, put communities first, and inspire and excite through ambitious programmes and activity.
