Heritage Lottery Fund awards over £55m to leisure & visitor sites

Twelve sites gain Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) support worth more than £55m, including William Morris’ family home at Kelmscott Manor (pictured), and the UK’s only surviving gas-lit cinema.

From gardens and galleries to wartime cinemas and the story of a city, today’s investment is set to secure some of the nation’s much-loved heritage, create employment and volunteer opportunities and boost tourism and local economies.

Heritage Minister Tracey Crouch said, “Our heritage provides us with a sense of identity and helps boost tourism, local economies and people’s wellbeing. These grants will have a huge impact on a range of projects across England. I am delighted that, thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to help preserve important parts of our heritage for the public to enjoy.”

Ros Kerslake. HLF Chief Executive said, “Whether sharing the source of William Morris’ inspiration, or saving a century of cinema and community heritage, the impact of National Lottery players’ money reaches far and wide. This investment will boost tourism and local economies, secure some of our nation’s heritage for future generations to enjoy and provide some fantastic opportunities for volunteers and visitors of all ages.”

Opening days and visitor numbers are set to double at Kelmscott Manor, William Morris’ family home in the Cotswolds, which is to receive £4.7m.

Two rooms in the manor currently closed to the public will be opened as exhibition and archive spaces, and six historic buildings in the grounds will be restored as a cafe, learning centre and activity space.

Hyde Park Picture House, Leeds has been awarded £2.4m and has been open for film lovers in Leeds for over a century. The UK’s only surviving gas-lit cinema will archive material opened up, and a number of original features will be restored during the project, including the terrazzo foyer floors.

Projects receiving initial support and development funding include £2m to restore Otterburn Hall, Northumberland as a hotel, boosting the local economy and giving the historic building a sustainable future as accommodation for visitors to Northumberland.