The UK government has announced a £15 million investment to support 37 local heritage sites, reinforcing its commitment to preserving historic buildings and ensuring they serve modern community needs. The funding comes through the Heritage at Risk Fund, aimed at restoring heritage assets in disrepair, while transforming them into spaces that foster culture, creativity, and economic growth.
Projects selected for funding are spread across the country and prioritize areas with disadvantaged communities. The initiative supports the government’s broader Plan for Change, which emphasizes increasing local opportunities, job creation, and accessibility to cultural spaces. This funding not only protects historic structures but also revitalizes them to serve contemporary purposes.
Among the recipients is Unseen Arts in Grimsby, which will receive over £430,000 to create a new creative community centre on the town’s historic docks. In Penzance, the MusicAbility Centre will get more than £400,000 to restore an 1828-built structure for music education and therapy. Newcastle’s Byker Wall Estate will see two Grade II listed Hobby Rooms transformed into a community hub and artist’s studio with support of over £98,000.
These projects highlight how heritage can be a catalyst for social and economic renewal. The restored buildings will offer services ranging from exhibitions and performances to educational and wellness programs. Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross emphasized that this initiative helps preserve the nation’s identity while opening up future opportunities. The fund is part of the wider £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund introduced by the Culture Secretary earlier in the year.
Historic England’s Director of Regions, Lou Brennan, praised the initiative for targeting neglected buildings and stressed its potential to deliver significant benefits to disadvantaged communities, including job creation and cultural enrichment.
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