Britain’s treasured heritage sites are receiving a significant financial boost to help them survive the coronavirus crisis. A total of £103 million from the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund will be distributed among 445 organisations to assist with reopening, repairs, and job protection.
This crucial funding, managed by Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, supports iconic heritage locations across the country. Sites such as Wentworth Woodhouse in Yorkshire, Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, and the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincolnshire will benefit, safeguarding landmarks important to communities nationwide.
Even sites famous from film and television will receive support, including Gloucester Cathedral, known for its Hogwarts cloisters in the Harry Potter films, and Highclere Castle, the setting for Downton Abbey.
Grants range from £10,000 up to £1 million, with an additional funding round offering up to £3 million expected soon. Twelve major organisations, including English Heritage and Historic Royal Palaces, will share £34 million to continue essential construction and maintenance work. The Architectural Heritage Fund has also been awarded a grant to assist charities operating in historic buildings with developing recovery plans following the pandemic.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said, “As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past. This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounceback post covid.”
Lucy Worsley, Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces, added, “The grant we have received from the Culture Recovery Fund will enable us to resume critical conservation work, ensuring Britain’s most historic buildings get the care they deserve while supporting specialist craftspeople.”
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, commented, “This funding is an essential lifeline for our heritage and those who tirelessly conserve it. It helps pay the bills, keeps skilled crafts alive, and kickstarts vital repairs.”
Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, stated, “Heritage creates jobs and drives tourism. This funding is crucial for wellbeing and economic recovery. It has stopped heritage sites and organisations from being lost forever.”
The government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund is securing the future of museums, galleries, theatres, cinemas, heritage sites, and music venues, ensuring Britain’s cultural heartbeat continues strongly after the pandemic.
Originally published by UKNIP.
