What do an arts centre in some Victorian workers’ cottages, a project to restore a smokehouse on Grimsby Docks, and the restoration of a stable block of a grand house in a Sheffield park have in common? They have all been successful in securing Round 1 funding following applications to the Heritage Lottery Fund, now the National Lottery Heritage Fund. All three awards were approved at the same meeting of the Fund’s Committee for Yorkshire & the Humber.
South Square Thornton is an arts centre based in a terrace of former workers’ cottages in Thornton, a suburb of Bradford. Small but dynamic and punching above its weight in terms of the quality and diversity of art curated and exhibited, South Square plans a sensitive restoration to more effectively use the spaces, as well as providing a lift to ensure the facilities are accessible to all.
"AHF have been beyond brilliant for South Square, they showed confidence in us as a grassroots cultural organisation - setting us on a path towards securing the building as a community asset. AHF's support came at a time when we needed it most, when we were in a very precarious position. To have professional input and advice was a real turning point for us. AHF funds were vital in us securing Round 1 funding from Heritage Lottery Fund to plan our building restoration and run activities - to say that we are completely over the moon about this funding, is an understatement." Yvonne Carmichael, Project Director, South Square.
The Old Coach House and stables associated with Hillsborough Hall in Hillsborough Park in Sheffield have been derelict for years. The restoration project presents a fantastic opportunity for Age UK Sheffield not only to restore the building but also to offer support to older people and the wider users of the park.
“AHF support for our Old Coach House project was invaluable to our successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund. As an older people’s charity we had no knowledge whatsoever about heritage projects. Without AHF grants and advice we may not have got past first base. “ Steve Chu, Chief Executive, Age UK Sheffield
Peterson’s, in the Kasbah area of Grimsby docks, is a former smokehouse that looks set to be restored as a catalyst to other regeneration projects in this Heritage Action Zone. Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust are collaborating with North East Lincolnshire Council to develop a training facility, and spaces for training and rest/refreshments for workers from the industries based on the docks.
“GGIFT is excited to be starting on the development phase of the Peterson’s Project. We are very grateful for the continued support of the AHF, but especially for the confidence they showed in the partnership early on, by part-funding the viability report for the scheme, which fed into our successful bids to fund this next stage.” Vicky Hartung, Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust
These are three fabulous projects that we are pleased to see recognised by NHLF. Our funding has helped to establish the projects and set them on the right path and we look forward to seeing them move forward into the delivery stages “ Matthew McKeague, CEO of the AHF
Editor’s notes
1) The Architectural Heritage Fund is a registered charity, working since 1976 to promote the conservation and sustainable re-use of historic buildings for the benefit of communities across the UK, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. We are the leading heritage social investor and the only specialist heritage lender operating in the UK. We provide advice, development grants and loans.
2) Funding for this project was generously provided under the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s ‘Community Enterprise through Heritage’ programme.
3) For press enquiries please contact Oliver Brodrick Ward, on 020 79250199 / oliver.brodrick-ward@ahfund.org.uk
