Pole position for the Silverstone Heritage Experience Centre

The AHF is thrilled to have supported Silverstone Heritage Limited with a loan investment of £250,000 to help support the successful opening of the Silverstone Heritage Experience.

The Experience tells the story of British motor racing but is not just about cars and motor sport - the Experience draws on a rich wider history and strong links to WWII aviation heritage, ecology, landscape and design, and the social history of the Silverstone site. The project is supported by a number of key partners including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, South Northamptonshire Council, Aylesbury Vale District Council, Buckingham County Council, Cherwell District Council, and the Local Enterprise Partnerships.

 The Centre will generate local economic impact through increased footfall to the area, employment opportunities, and educational learning for children and young people with a focus on STEM education and teaching of engineering skills.

Visitors can take an immersive 2.5 hour journey through the past, present and future of British motor racing and the history of the site of the famous racing circuit.  They’ll also be able to find out about the science and engineering behind the sport in the engaging Tech Lab.

Sally Reynolds, CEO of the Silverstone Experience says “The Silverstone Experience opened its doors to the public on October 25th 2019.  The state-of-the-art visitor attraction is housed in a Second World Wellington Bomber Hangar which had fallen into a state of disrepair.  Refurbishing it has been filled with challenges but thanks to the support of the Architectural Heritage Fund we have been able to preserve the Hangar Framework, open it up to the public and tell the stories of the air crew and engineers who have worked in the building over the past 77 years.”

Visit www.silverstone-experience.co.uk for further details.

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)    Photos provided by Silverstone Heritage Limited.

3)    For media enquiries please contact Oliver Brodrick-Ward, on 020 79250199 / oliver.brodrick-ward@ahfund.org.uk