With grounds and a collection of listed buildings that boast an extraordinary history spanning nearly 900 years, Delapré Abbey is a historic house and gardens in the heart of Northampton. Though the main house largely dates back to the 16th century, it incorporates the remains of the 12th-century Abbey of St Mary de la Pré. The site itself is also historically important as the location of a major battle in the War of the Roses, the Battle of Northampton (1460).
Today, following a period of restoration by Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, Delapré Abbey is a well-used public facility with visitor spaces, a popular café and restaurant, and a varied programme of wellbeing, educational and cultural events and activities.
The Trust is now embarking on a new project to secure a financially sustainable future for itself and support the long-term preservation of the whole Abbey site.
The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is very pleased to have been able to support the Trust with a mix of grant and loan funding towards its ‘A Stable Future’ project. A working capital loan from the AHF will allow the Trust to deliver the £5m-plus project, which will repair and redevelop 19th-century stables and associated buildings on the Delapré Abbey Estate into a health and wellbeing hub. This will include dedicated spaces for wellbeing, retail, and community uses, and will contribute to improved mental and physical health for both visitors and the local community alike.
Image: Work underway on the Delapré Abbey stables courtyard. Credit - Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust.
Additional investment has been provided by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Community Ownership Fund, the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership, West Northamptonshire Council, and the Garfield Weston Foundation, amongst others.
The AHF has also been able to support this project in various other ways, including with blended finance through the Thrive Together Fund - delivered in partnership with Social Investment Business - as well as grant funding for project development work. Further, the Trust has also been AHF’s first successful applicant to the pilot Energy Resilience Fund – delivered in partnership with Key Fund - through which it will receive blended finance towards the installation of solar panels as part of the refurbishment of the stables. The solar panel and battery installation will help the Trust to lower energy costs and reduce its carbon use.
Image: Solar panels at Delapré Abbey stables. Credit - Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust.
The AHF is now working in partnership with Social Investment Business to deliver the successor Energy Resilience Fund programme, which offers support to charities and social enterprises in England to improve their energy resilience through building adaption and technology installation. More information on this blended finance programme is available on the Social Investment Business website.
Matthew Mckeague, Chief Executive of the AHF, said: “We are very pleased to be supporting Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust’s ‘A Stable Future’ project. The restoration and reuse of the underused stable block on Delapré Abbey Estate will not only strengthen the Trust’s resilience and ensure the long-term preservation of this historically important site, but it will also deliver significant social impacts for the local community. We’re also delighted to have been able to support Delapré Abbey to access blended finance through the Energy Resilience Fund, which will support the site to become more energy efficient, an urgent need for so many of our historic and community buildings.”
Richard Clinton, Chief Executive of Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of the Architectural Heritage Fund and their fantastic team, whose commitment has been instrumental in enabling us to progress ‘A Stable Future’ with confidence. Without their blend of grant and loan funding, we would have faced increased costs and delays in realising the vital benefits this project will bring to the community. Beyond the funding they have encouraged us and offered advice and support which has been critical in making this project a reality. We also extend our sincere thanks to Key Fund, Social Investment Business, and the wider project funders who have helped ensure that we will be able to grow our work supporting our communities.”
To find out more about Delapré Abbey, please visit the website.
The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) offers a range of funding options, including grants and tailored loan finance, with competitive terms, to support not-for-profit organisations working on or based in historic buildings across the UK. Our funding helps give historic buildings a sustainable future for the benefit of communities. To find out how we can support your project, visit our website today.
