Subsidy control

Subsidy control

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We are required under the Subsidy Control Act 2022’s transparency requirements to publish details concerning individual awards which may be considered to be subsidies.

We are a public body and the largest funder for the UK’s heritage.

As The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we distribute National Lottery grants from £10,000 to £10million and over, funding projects that sustain and transform the UK's heritage.

As the Heritage Fund, we distribute non-Lottery funding, including grant in aid/government funding and loans, to heritage organisations.

The Subsidy Control Act 2022 

Since the UK left the European Union on 1 January 2021, the UK government has enacted domestic legislation to replace EU law: the Subsidy Control Act 2022 (‘the Act’). 

The Act aims to control the provision of subsidies – it prevents unfair competition or effects on trade and investment. This might happen if an organisation receives funding from state resources (which includes our funding, as our funds are public money) while another organisation can only use their own private funding.

You should familiarise yourself with the requirements of the new subsidy control regime when considering applying to us.

The Act has been fully in force from 4 January 2023. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), has issued guidance on the operation of the Act. This guidance helps public authorities, such as the Heritage Fund, to award subsidies in a way which minimises any negative effects on competition and investment, as well as promoting the effective and efficient use of public money. These subsidies are permitted provided they satisfy the criteria set out in the Act.

Subsides above a certain financial threshold (currently £100,000) must be published on both our own website, and on a database held by BEIS.

Smaller grants may be outside the scope of the Act if they are not considered to be a subsidy. For example because they are unlikely to have an impact on trade or investment.

What is a subsidy?

There are four key characteristics which must all be present for funding to be classed as a subsidy:

  1. a financial contribution
  2. given by a public authority from public funds
  3. given to an organisation giving them an economic advantage that is not available on market terms
  4. affects or is capable of affecting competition or investment within the UK, or trade or investment between the UK and a country or territory outside of the UK

If our funding meets all four key characteristics, then it will be a subsidy. For a subsidy to be permitted it has to comply with seven common principles as set out on the UK government website.

EU State Aid Law

The previous EU state aid law will still apply to some grants awarded before 31 December 2020, and there may be additional considerations to take into account in Northern Ireland.

UK state aid guidance can be found on the UK government website.

Subsidy control information in relation to individual awards, 2024

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to The Bonsall Framework Knitters' Workshop

Date of grant: 17 October 2024

Grant expiry date: 30 September 2029

Reference: HA-24-00449

Grantee: Adam Hill and Samantha Deakin Hill

Category of beneficiary: Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Subsidy amount: £210,225

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates The National Lottery Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and National Lottery Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Heritage Grants is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. A funding programme for projects that connect people and communities to the national, regional and local heritage of the UK and deliver our four investment principles: saving heritage, protecting the environment, inclusion, access and participation, and organisational sustainability. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: The purpose is to address the high costs of repairing the property to conservation standards that are appropriate to its importance as a listed building. The repair and re-use of the building would be unviable without public funding as the costs of repair outweigh any increase in value resulting from the work. The repairs enable the building’s historic importance to be understood and for the public to benefit by understanding the area’s heritage of framework knitting. 

The public funding provides benefits of conservation, education and access and exceeds any private gain. The restoration of the framework knitter’s workshop creates opportunity for a limited number of short-term holiday lets, so there is a sustainable income stream for ongoing maintenance and operational costs for the building, educational programme and website.

Eligibility for the subsidy: Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations. Private owners of a heritage asset are eligible only where it can be demonstrated that the public benefit outweighs any private gain.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened delegated decision panels.

Project summary: This project aims to repair and provide a new use for an important, Grade II listed 1737 framework knitters' shop in Bonsall, Derbyshire, into a learning centre, preserving and celebrating local industrial heritage while raising awareness of the critically endangered craft of framework knitting. The building is located at the edge of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and is noted as the best surviving example of a traditional frame-knitters workshop in Derbyshire, although its condition is vulnerable and it is at risk of loss. The funding covers the restoration of the framework knitters’ building and longer-term open access to the knitter’s workshop for education purposes.  

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Re-Form Heritage

Date of grant: 9 October 2024

Grant expiry date: 30 June 2026

Reference: HA-24-00465

Grantee: Re-Form Heritage

Category of beneficiary: Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Subsidy amount: £249,954

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates The National Lottery Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and National Lottery Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Heritage Grants is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. A funding programme for projects that connect people and communities to the national, regional and local heritage of the UK and deliver our four investment principles: saving heritage; protecting the environment; inclusion, access and participation; and organisational sustainability. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: The project will see Re-Form Heritage respond to recommendations from a series of consultancies undertaken within the past 18 months, allowing the charity the opportunity to improve its financial sustainability and securing the future of the site.

Eligibility for the subsidy: Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened delegated decision panels.

Project summary: Re-Form Heritage will install a single storey, modular reception building. The new structure will provide a dedicated entryway to the site and improve wayfinding. Photovoltaic panels will be installed at the Harper Street site, with improvements to gas boilers, lighting and entryways providing greater energy efficiency across the site.

A new learning centre will be developed within a vacant unit within Middleport Pottery, forming distinct areas for learning and event hire. Capital works will partition the space, creating display cases that will reveal machinery that is concealed by the existing wooden structures. Minor repair and conservation work will be undertaken and a floating floor will be installed ensuring that the Grade II* fabric is preserved.

Two full-time staff posts will be created to support the delivery of events and fundraising activities over 12 months.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Wicksteed Charitable Trust

Date of grant: 3 October 2024

Grant expiry date: 31 October 2027

Reference: HA-24-00198

Grantee: Wicksteed Charitable Trust

Category of beneficiary: Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Subsidy amount: £250,000

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates The National Lottery Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and National Lottery Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Heritage Grants is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. A funding programme for projects that connect people and communities to the national, regional and local heritage of the UK and deliver our four investment principles: saving heritage; protecting the environment; inclusion, access and participation; and organisational sustainability. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: The project will allow Wicksteed Charitable Trust to appoint a fixed-term fundraising team and undertake work to better understand potential and existing audiences. The project will support the trust in diversifying income and improving ongoing organisational sustainability.

Eligibility for the subsidy: Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened delegated decision panels.

Project summary: Wicksteed Charitable Trust will appoint two fixed-term members of staff who will develop a new fundraising strategy, with a view to diversifying income for the charity.

The trust will also commission consultants to carry out a social and economic impact study and create an audience development plan, developing understanding around potential barriers to access and the benefits that Wicksteed Park can provide.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Redruth Former Library CIC

Date of grant: 29 August 2024

Reference: HA-24-00205

Grantee: Redruth Former Library CIC

Grant expiry date: 31 May 2026

Category of beneficiary: Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Subsidy amount: £249,570

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates The National Lottery Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and National Lottery Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Heritage Grants is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. It is a funding programme for projects that connect people and communities to the national, regional and local heritage of the UK and deliver our four investment principles: saving heritage; protecting the environment; inclusion, access and participation; and organisational sustainability. This is made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: The subsidy will allow Redruth Former Library CIC to develop the Grade II listed building into a new community and creative hub space in the centre of Redruth. Capital works will allow the building to be made safe and usable for new businesses and organisations. A parallel engagement programme will aim to engage specific target audiences in the heritage of the building and the intangible cultural heritage of the ideas of Passmore Edwards and Redruth’s local history.

Eligibility for the subsidy: Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened delegated decision panels.

Project summary: The focus of the project is on the Grade II listed Passmore Edwards library and college buildings in Redruth, Cornwall. Redruth Former Library CIC will deliver a one-and-a-half year project to undertake capital works to develop the currently derelict building into a community and creative hub to include studio, artist and rehearsal space, businesses and shared working space. Alongside this a series of activities will aim to engage LGBTQ+ communities, global majority communities and young people with the heritage of the building and the cultural ideas and history connected to it. Planned activities and outputs include:

  • a full refit of the library building
  • structural improvements to make unused areas safe
  • new roofs and high level works
  • installation of a lift to provide access to the first floor
  • installation of secondary glazing and solar panels
  • an engagement programme between April 2025 and April 2026

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Meat Market Regeneration CIC

Date of grant: 25 June 2024

Reference: NL-21-00011

Grantee: Meat Market Regeneration CIC

Grant expiry date: 31 December 2026

Category of beneficiary: Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Subsidy amount: £2,323,737 of £8,349,779

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and the National Lottery Etc. Act 1993

Policy objective: National Lottery Heritage Grants is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. It is a funding programme that focuses on conserving and valuing heritage for now and the future, supporting nature recovery and environmental sustainability, supporting greater inclusion, diversity, access, and participation in heritage, and strengthening heritage to be adaptive and financially resilient, contributing to communities and economies. This is made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: The derelict and vacant category B listed Meat Market (currently on the Buildings at Risk Register) will be restored and developed into a multi-use covered facility. Capital works include the restoration of the listed structures, demolition of some of the unlisted structures and the creation of a new-build element within the historic structures and landscaping works.

The low intervention rate represents targeted funding and offers good value for money as it recognises the added cost of undertaking work to a historic structure and realising the wider benefit of engaging local communities in heritage activities.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff, and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels. 

Project summary: The Meat Market Regeneration Project will deliver a community-led regeneration project restoring listed structures and creating new-build elements, serving the existing communities and the multiple housing development projects immediately adjacent to this site. The grant will fund a significant proportion, if not all, of the heritage engagement activity, which contributes to the achievement of the outcomes.

This activity would not happen without the grant. The project will also deliver an ongoing heritage activity plan with extensive community engagement transitioning to a Meat Market heritage legacy overseen by the Meat Market Heritage Trust SCIO.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Friends of The Pipe Factory CIC

Date of grant: 23 April 2024

Reference: NL-22-00024

Grantee: Friends of The Pipe Factory CIC

Grant expiry date: 31 December 2025

Category of beneficiary: Micro

Subsidy amount: £1,681,836 of £3,919,390

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and the National Lottery Etc. Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Heritage Grants is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. It is a funding programme that focuses on conserving and valuing heritage for now and the future, supporting nature recovery and environment sustainability, supporting greater inclusion, diversity, access, and participation in heritage, and strengthening heritage to be adaptive and financially resilient, contributing to communities and economies. This is made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

This project will see a category B listed building brought back into use which will provide affordable space for ‘social tenants’, enabling the delivery of activity which will benefit people in an area of high deprivation in Glasgow. The project also complements the local authority’s regeneration strategy for the area.

Purpose of the subsidy: The focus of the project will be the development of a sustainable and accessible historic building, with the installation of an external lift and a second escape stair to enable safe use of the upper floors of the building. The building's energy performance will be improved through the installation of insulation and low energy heating and ventilation systems.

Provision of services will ensure the building is fit for purpose. The development period will see heritage engagement to develop an oral history and digital archive project alongside training in traditional skills and low-carbon building techniques.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels. 

Project summary: This project seeks to redevelop the category B listed former pipe factory building on the edge of the Barras market in Calton in the east end of Glasgow. This is a well-planned project which builds on longstanding development work of both project and applicant organisation and will achieve mandatory and priority outcomes well. The previous fabric repairs and the prior acquisition have mitigated the costs of this project which, combined with confidence on securing a large proportion of match funding, enable the application to be assessed as good value for money.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to the University of Kent

Date of grant: 15 April 2024

Grant expiry date: 31 March 2026

Reference: NL-22-00047

Grantee: University of Kent

Category of beneficiary: Large Enterprise

Subsidy amount: £3,567,400

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates The National Lottery Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and National Lottery Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Grants for Heritage is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. Using money raised by the National Lottery, the National Lottery Heritage Fund inspires, leads and resources the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and for the future. A funding programme for projects that connect people and communities to the national, regional and local heritage of the UK. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

The Heritage Enterprise programme is designed to bridge the funding gap that prevents a historic asset in need of repair from being returned to a beneficial and commercial use. The public policy objective for our Heritage Enterprise programme is to help projects achieve economic growth by investing in heritage. It supports commercial organisations working in partnership with community organisations to help them rescue neglected historic buildings and sites and return them to a viable productive use.

Purpose of the subsidy: University of Kent will transform Chatham Dockyard’s Grade II-listed Police Section House and surrounding land into a digital and creative enterprise hub and flagship home for the university's Institute of Creative and Cultural Industries (iCCi). The project supports strategic agendas for skills development and economic growth as part of Levelling-Up (LUF1) as well as heritage engagement.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund decision meeting.

Project summary: The Docking Station project will deliver a high-quality refurbishment of the Grade II listed Police Section House, including restoring the cupola and access improvements to provide exhibition and hireable meeting space; café; post-production studios; offices; co-working and communal spaces. It is a key part of regeneration plans for the historic waterside site and opens up new possibilities for young people and the communities of Kent and Medway.

A new digital production studio building at the rear will become a main studio for virtual production and motion capture; providing production offices and technical spaces. New landscaped areas at the front, a courtyard garden and other seasonal gardens include public areas.

A programme for local residents, families and children, young people aged 13–25 years, schools and colleges, will develop digital skills and creativity as well as exploring the diverse heritage of dockyard communities and the site. A Docking Station Digital Ecosystem in three Medway venues and Tech31 Medway collaboration will also provide access to digital creativity for Medway residents.    

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Boston Preservation Trust Limited

Date of grant: 28 March 2024

Reference: NL-21-00058

Grantee: Boston Preservation Trust Limited

Category of beneficiary: Micro Enterprise

Subsidy amount: £1,416,689

Grant expiry date: 20 May 2027

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates The National Lottery Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and National Lottery Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Grants for Heritage is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. A funding programme for projects that connect people and communities to UK-wide, regional and local heritage. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: The subsidy will allow Boston Preservation Trust to carry out a series of repairs to Fydell House, a Grade I listed, Queen Anne-style townhouse, located within the Boston Conservation Area. The project centres on three aims: improving access, renovating the building and developing activities to support sustainability (including operating a wedding venue and café).

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened delegated decision panels.

Project summary: An activity plan has been developed to engage new audiences and uncover the storied history of Fydell House. Oral histories will be collected relating to Fydell House’s use as Pilgrim College in the 20th century, and several rooms will be restaged in period-accurate dressings. Further activities will engage school-age students, with a range of accessible formats considered. Capital works will include: 

  • repairs to the historic fabric, including Rococo-style papier mâché mouldings and plaster
  • The existing stone landing at the main entrance will be brought forward, and symmetrical ramps added at either side. Site accessibility will be improved throughout the ground floor and garden pathways widened.
  • improvements to WC facilities and the on-site kitchen

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Brymbo Heritage Trust

Date of grant: 28 March 2024

Grant expiry date: 21 March 2025

Reference: HG-17-01715

Grantee: Brymbo Heritage Trust

Category of beneficiary: Small

Subsidy amount: Grant increase of £2,427,686; total grant £7,535,816

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and the National Lottery Etc. Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Heritage Grants is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. It is a funding programme that focuses on conserving and valuing heritage for now and the future, supporting nature recovery and environment sustainability, supporting greater inclusion, diversity, access, and participation in heritage, and strengthening heritage to be adaptive and financially resilient, contributing to communities and economies, all of which is made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: Brymbo Heritage Trust aim to build a new sense of pride, hope and cooperation in the area. They are continuing their mission by:

  • conserving and selectively reusing Brymbo’s historic buildings to develop a visitor attraction, learning hub and small business space
  • further exploring the 300-million-year-old Brymbo Fossil Forest, interpreting natural history and its impact on the development of industry
  • celebrating the people, skills and attitudes that have contributed to Brymbo’s place in the world

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels.

Project summary:

The Brymbo Heritage Trust received a delivery grant of £4,147,200 in March 2020. This increase feeds into the aim of the project which are:

  • stabilisation of key structures including the two 20th-century cupolas and the 19th-century charging wall
  • stabilisation/refurbishment of the Agent’s House, Blast Colliery and a series of ironworks buildings including the Pattern and Joiners Workshop, Foundry and Cast House
  • restoration and fit out of the Machine Shop as a visitor welcome and interpretation centre
  • provision of a protected environment for the excavation of the fossil forest
  • interpretation of the story of Brymbo
  • a programme of engagement activities

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Pailton Parish Council

Date of grant: 28 March 2024

Grant expiry date: 30 September 2026

Reference: NL-21-00042, Save the White Lion

Grantee: Pailton Parish Council

Category of beneficiary: Micro

Subsidy amount: £2,040,170

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and the National Lottery Etc. Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Heritage Grants is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. It is a funding programme that focuses on conserving and valuing heritage for now and the future, supporting nature recovery and environmental sustainability, supporting greater inclusion, diversity, access, and participation in heritage, and strengthening heritage to be adaptive and financially resilient, contributing to communities and economies, all of which is made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: This is a community-led Heritage Enterprise project to create a community pub. Sympathetic renovation will create a fully accessible site and improve environmental sustainability.

The project will repair and re-use an at-risk Grade II listed former coaching inn, meeting demand for local amenities and creating employment opportunities.  

The activity statement delivers strong outcomes for people and will facilitate inter-generational connection, reducing rural isolation.  

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels.

Project summary:

The White Lion Inn is a Grade II listed former coaching inn, situated in the village of Pailton, Warwickshire. In 2019, Pailton Parish Council secured a Public Works Loan Board loan to purchase the site with the aim of bringing it back into community use (it has been vacant since 2014).

This Heritage Enterprise project will restore the White Lion and provide facilities for a range of contemporary community uses. The pub will be reinstated, with restaurant and café facilities on the ground floor, and overnight accommodation on the upper floors. New uses include: 

  • a shop and Post Office
  • community meeting spaces
  • enterprise units
  • community gardens
  • newly landscaped exterior to host markets and family activities

Delivery timetable: May 2024 to September 2026

Capital works:

  • full conservation and restoration of the listed buildings, incorporating sustainable technologies for carbon neutral operation
  • demolition of modern block detracting from the heritage significance
  • ground floor renovation to create fully licensed pub, restaurant and café with kitchen facilities
  • second and third floor renovations to create five ensuite rooms and one suite for overnight accommodation
  • restoration of the historic brewhouse to create a community shop and enterprise units for artisan producers / local businesses
  • landscaped exterior to create community gardens, garden loggia and space for events / markets
  • full disabled access 

Activities will include:

  • research, interpretation and display of the history of the White Lion (including photographs and artefacts)
  • a local artist to design traditional signs and decorations
  • memory sharing hubs to deliver group reminiscence sessions and individual oral history interviews
  • interactive Post Office resources, developed with local families and supported by the Postal Museum, to be made by local craftspeople
  • volunteer researchers to develop interpretation and online resources, supported by the County Records Office, Pub History Society and Oddfellows Society
  • What Made Pailton? lecture series 
  • development of the White Lion website and social media pages
  • local producer and craft markets
  • traditional pub games and tournaments
  • community gardening teams
  • launch celebrations

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration

Date of grant: 25 March 2024

Grant expiry date: 31 January 2028

Reference: NL-22-00065

Grantee: Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration

Category of beneficiary: Small

Subsidy amount: a grant award of £3,750,000

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and the National Lottery Etc. Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Heritage Grants is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. It is a funding programme that focuses on conserving and valuing heritage for now and the future, supporting nature recovery and environment sustainability, supporting greater inclusion, diversity, access, and participation in heritage, and strengthening heritage to be adaptive and financially resilient, contributing to communities and economies, all of which is made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: This project will create a permanent centre for illustration and a new home to display the Quentin Blake Archive, in the New River Head site (0.34 hectares) in Clerkenwell, containing four buildings (944 sqm) and a range of spaces, accompanied by community engagement programmes.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels.

Project summary: This project will create a permanent centre for illustration and a new home to display the Quentin Blake Archive, in the New River Head site (0.34 hectares) in Clerkenwell, containing four buildings (944 sqm) and a range of spaces, accompanied by community engagement programmes. 

Capital works include building restoration and refurbishment and a new build link. Activities include:

  • community heritage interpretation
  • digital interpretation
  • touring programme
  • co-developed community heritage project with older adults at risk of isolation
  • schools workshops
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
  • adult learning
  • traineeships /apprenticeships
  • volunteering programme

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to The Churches Conservation Trust

Date of grant: 14 March 2024

Grant expiry date: 30 March 2025

Reference: HE-13-00951

Grantee: The Churches Conservation Trust

Category of beneficiary: Medium

Subsidy amount: Grant increase of £373,422.45

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and the National Lottery Etc. Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Heritage Grants is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. It is a funding programme that focuses on conserving and valuing heritage for now and the future, supporting nature recovery and environment sustainability, supporting greater inclusion, diversity, access, and participation in heritage, and strengthening heritage to be adaptive and financially resilient, contributing to communities and economies, all of which is made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: The Churches Conservation Trust has presented revised costs and an increased funding request at an advanced stage of project delivery.  The increase results from challenges and unforeseen costs in repairing the building and dealing with the unexpected archaeological finds, securing the pub operator and accommodating additional items of work.

The prime focus of the project is the restoration of the vacant and at-risk Old Black Lion pub and its outbuildings. These lie in central Northampton adjacent to St Peter’s Church, a redundant church in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.

The building will be a focus for activities and interpretation as part of Northampton's Heritage Gateway. Surplus income would contribute to the sustainability of St Peter's providing facilities for activities and events.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels.

Project summary:

The Old Black Lion is Grade II Listed and adjoins the Grade I Listed St Peter's Church and the remains of a Saxon palace complex, a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The Old Black Lion is to be repaired and refurbished as a viable new business, hospitality venue and heritage destination through project funding.

An operational pub partner, Phipps Brewery, a local company with roots in Northampton, has agreed draft heads of terms. The Central Council for Bellringers will rent space in the stable building within the pub courtyard. 

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Plymouth City Council

Date of grant: 14 March 2024

Grant expiry date: 31 March 2029

Reference: OL-19-03781

Grantee: Plymouth City Council

Category of beneficiary: Large enterprise

Subsidy amount: £4,100,000

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates The National Lottery Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and National Lottery Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Heritage Horizon Awards is a targeted grant programme for transformational heritage projects: “Backing big ideas, unlocking possibilities". A funding programme for projects that are transformative, innovative and collaborative that bring about positive changes and benefits to people, place and revolutionise UK heritage. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: Plymouth City Council will work with partners to create the UK's first National Marine Park, a once-in-a-lifetime transformational opportunity for Plymouth. It will create a blueprint for an innovative model for National Marine Parks. Plymouth Sound is a natural and heritage landscape that is unsurpassed and has played a major role in the national psyche, shaping our history for hundreds of years. A unique landscape that since the Bronze Age has borne witness to some of the most significant moments of human endeavour.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be not-for-profit organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund decision meeting.

Project summary: 

The UK's first National Marine Park will include three large scale 'Gateways':

  • new accessible facilities for water users at Tinside Lido and the Hoe foreshore
  • improvements across the Mount Batten Peninsular, enhancing the landscape and its heritage
  • conservation of The Garden Battery at Mount Edgcumbe to create a new public space

The National Marine Park will also include:

  • two ‘Community Access Points’ projects; one at Ernesettle Creek and the other at Firestone Bay to increase access and widen participation in areas that are important to local people
  • four distinct ‘Nature Boost’ projects to help support the recovery of species and habitats in Plymouth Sound
  • an inclusive activity plan that will drive a marine citizenship programme, providing diverse opportunities to engage with the Park, discover and learn more about it and support activities to help enhance and care for it 
  • a ‘Digital Park’ to bring the wonders of the Park to life and enable everyone to experience the treasures below the waves 
  • Interpretation to tell the stories of the Park, past, present and future. Features will be located at the capital Gateways and areas away from the waterfront, linking the stories of Plymouth Sound throughout the city.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Urras nan Tursachan

Date of grant: 11 March 2024

Grant expiry date: 21 August 2027

Reference: NL-21-00130

Grantee: Urras nan Tursachan

Category of beneficiary: Micro

Subsidy amount: £2,966,731

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and the National Lottery Etc. Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Heritage Grants is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. It is a funding programme that focuses on conserving and valuing heritage for now and the future, supporting nature recovery and environment sustainability, supporting greater inclusion, diversity, access, and participation in heritage, and strengthening heritage to be adaptive and financially resilient, contributing to communities and economies, all of which is made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy:  Urras nan Tursachan will redevelop and expand the outdated Calanais Visitor Centre to create an accessible and rich visitor experience which encourages a deeper understanding of the Calanais Standing Stones and their significance to the Western Isles. The project aligns with the Dualchas do Dhaoine, produced as part of the Heritage Fund supported Great Place Scheme. This strategy identifies two key strands for future activity:

  • innovation and entrepreneurial focused developments
  • financial sustainability through investments which support longer-term needs

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels.

Project summary:

Urras nan Tursachan will redevelop and expand the outdated Calanais Visitor Centre to create an accessible and rich visitor experience which encourages a deeper understanding of the Calanais Standing Stones and their significance to the Western Isles.

Concurrently, Urras nan Tursachan will form an agreement with Historic Environment Scotland to manage access to the site and ensure improved management and maintenance through a joint charging scheme. The majority of funds from this agreement will be reinvested into the Outer Hebrides.

The Calanais Visitor Centre and adjacent standing stones are located on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis.

The three-year programme will include:

Capital works

  • The existing, curved visitor centre built in 1995 will be fully refurbished and expanded into an interactive interpretation space.
  • An extension to the main building will provide facilities for larger parties and community functions.
  • The 19th-century adjacent farmhouse will be refurbished to house a kitchen, larger café area, enhanced retail area and dedicated office space.
  • Significant landscaping works will be undertaken around the visitor centre to improve accessibility, car parking and coach space.
  • Access to the stones will be improved through pathworks.

Interpretation

  • Interpretation space will increase from 38 to 170 square metres.

Activities will include:

  • Annual events linking to the equinox and solstice, Dark Skies Festival and the New Year Light Festival. Related partnership events with Outer Hebrides Tourism and An Lanntair will be delivered including residencies, exhibitions, storytelling events and outdoor pieces.
  • Two flagship events: a launch event and Lunar Standstill event in 2025.
  • Targeted activities including an art project to cover the heras fencing, hard hat tours, traditional skills workshops, nature-focused workshops, a schools competition and a quarterly craft supplier showcase.
  • In collaboration with members of the Outer Hebrides Heritage Forum, a series of in-person and virtual walks and tours.
  • Archaeological focused activities including skills workshops, a summer school and re-establishment of the Young Archaeologists Club.
  • Creation of a new website with content development activities with local schools and heritage organisations.

Target audiences for community engagement are:

  • the local community
  • school aged children and families
  • special interest groups
  • visitors from outside the island visiting family or friends

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to The Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust Ltd

Date of grant: 30 January 2024

Grant expiry date: 31 August 2026

Reference: HE-19-03540

Grantee: The Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust Ltd

Category of beneficiary: Small

Subsidy amount: £2,328,595.00

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and the National Lottery Etc. Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Heritage Grants is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. It is a funding programme that focuses on conserving and valuing heritage for now and the future, supporting nature recovery and environment sustainability, supporting greater inclusion, diversity, access, and participation in heritage, and strengthening heritage to be adaptive and financially resilient, contributing to communities and economies, all of which is made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust (WBPT) in partnership with Wychavon District Council (WDC) has been awarded Heritage Enterprise funding to sensitively repair and adapt the derelict Grade II Willow Court Farmhouse, near Droitwich, into six modern affordable rentable homes. On completion the building will be leased to Platform Housing Group (PHG), a social housing provider who will become the landlord.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels.

Project summary:

Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust (WBPT) in partnership with Wychavon District Council (WDC) is seeking Heritage Enterprise funding to sensitively repair and adapt the derelict Grade II Willow Court Farmhouse, near Droitwich, into six modern affordable rentable homes. On completion the building will be leased to Platform Housing Group (PHG), a social housing provider who will become the landlord.

The building’s current structural layout of three flats with independent entrances at ground floor level, two flats at the first floor and one unit at second floor level will be retained. The 20th century extensions will be rebuilt to accommodate six modern one-bedroom flats (five flats suitable for two people and one flat suitable for one person).

Capital investment:

  • structural repairs to the stabilised wall structures
  • repair of existing external walls, both masonry and timber framed
  • formation of new and repair of existing internal floor structures and associated partition walls
  • formation of new and repaired roof structures, incorporating insulation and handmade tile finishes to match existing
  • construction of 20th century (replacement) extensions
  • new windows, doors and joinery throughout the building, including all associated ironmongery
  • installation of new mechanical and electrical services
  • below ground water drainage connections
  • new kitchens and bathrooms
  • external landscaping to include new entrance road and car parking, with EV charging provision

An activity statement has been produced which outlines the following physical outputs that will be delivered with financial support:

  • main contractors will employ two apprentices and train in heritage skills
  • a film charting the restoration process
  • development of a digital platform to share restoration and historical development of the building using maps
  • creation of hoardings for the scaffold
  • creation of a virtual tour of the site which will be uploaded to the website
  • creation a community tapestry
  • bespoke education packs and regular school visits
  • a student heritage training bursary scheme and funding of two apprentices
  • Memories will be collected from current residents and uploaded onto the website, along with talks, tours, and activities to raise awareness of the heritage of the site.
  • architects will deliver two best practice sessions on the restoration process and re-use of listed buildings as affordable housing
  • heritage skills taster training sessions in carpentry, stone masonry and pointing (lime mortar), traditional planting and seed swap
  • Production of new home user guides

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to New Lanark Trust

Date of grant: 10 January 2024

Grant expiry date: 31 December 2024

Reference: MF-22-00097

Grantee: New Lanark Trust

Category of beneficiary: Small

Subsidy amount: £2,395,140

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980.

Policy objective: To safeguard nationally important heritage assets within England which were at risk as a direct result of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Purpose of the subsidy: A programme of works to address the backlog of maintenance and reactive repair issues for this UNESCO World Heritage site, which have compounded during the pandemic due to the inability of the organisation to generate sufficient income to support costs.

Eligibility for the subsidy: Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels.

Project summary: The grant will fund a programme of works to address the backlog of maintenance and reactive repair issues at its UNESCO World Heritage site, which have been compounded by the impact of the pandemic on the Trust’s capacity to generate income.

The backlog maintenance for 2022/23 is included along with repairs to the Nursery & New Building, School Building and Long Row roofs as per their prioritised maintenance plan.

Oversight of the site is provided by a partnership between New Lanark Trust, South Lanarkshire Council and Historic Environment Scotland, which enables the partners to bring their various areas of expertise to support the site over the long term.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Theatr Clwyd Trust Ltd

Date of grant: 9 January 2024

Grant expiry date: 1 June 2025

Reference: NM-23-00837

Grantee: Theatr Clwyd Trust Ltd

Category of beneficiary: Small

Subsidy amount: £249,295

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and the National Lottery Etc. Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Heritage Grants is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. It is a funding programme that focuses on conserving and valuing heritage for now and the future, supporting nature recovery and environmental sustainability, supporting greater inclusion, diversity, access, and participation in heritage, and strengthening heritage to be adaptive and financially resilient, contributing to communities and economies, all of which is made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: Theatr Clwyd is a Grade-II listed building, built in 1976 by Clwyd County Council to serve the region with world-class theatre and arts. Since opening, the theatre has seen performances of classic Welsh plays such as the 2014 production of Under Milk Wood to mark the centenary of the birth of Dylan Thomas. Part of the building was used as the original broadcast studios for ITV Wales and West, and includes “the original working paintframe”, “rare handmade acoustic tiles in the main auditorium” and “1970s front of house tiling”.

This project will increase the accessibility of Theatr Clwyd, thereby enabling a wider range of people to engage with the heritage of the building. Both built and intangible heritage is at risk, so is there a need for the project.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels.

Project summary:

This project forms part of a wider project of capital renovations to the Theatr Clwyd building. The aspect of the project funded by us has two main elements:

Capital renovations – All public areas of the theatre building will be made fully accessible and inclusive, with comprehensive wheelchair and buggy access and the installation of five new lifts enabling visitors to access all levels, accessible toilets, showers and dressing rooms as well as wheelchair charging points and hearing loops.

Activities – Employ two research practitioners to research and collect stories from the public relating to the visible heritage features of the building. This research will then inform the production of a 10-minute radio play and the development of a heritage trail throughout the building, highlighting the stories and heritage assets of the theatre. The heritage trail will be self-guided, with associated materials collectible from the box office during opening hours or digitally downloadable.

Subsidy control information in relation to individual awards, 2023

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Buxton Civic Association Ltd

Date of grant: 20 December 2023

Reference: NM-23-00720

Grantee: Buxton Civic Association Ltd

Category of beneficiary: Small and medium sized enterprises

Subsidy amount: £249,990

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates The National Lottery Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and National Lottery Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Grants for Heritage is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. A funding programme for projects that connect people and communities to UK-wide, regional and local heritage. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: Buxton Civic Association (BCA) owns and manages 200 acres of woodland surrounding Buxton and Poole’s Cavern, a two-million-year-old natural limestone cave. The project will enable Buxton Civic Association (BCA), to enact organisational changes and explore new opportunities for engaging members, volunteers and visitors with these important attractions.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened delegated decision panels.

Project summary: This 26-month project will support the Buxton Civic Association (BCA) to become more organisationally resilient. It will achieve this by increasing the organisation’s capacity to implement changes, testing new Audience Development and Volunteer Plans, exploring new commercial opportunities, and commissioning professional advice to improve governance.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Citizens Theatre

Date of grant: 19 December 2023

Grant expiry date: 30 June 2024

Reference: HG-13-09470

Grantee: Citizens Theatre

Category of beneficiary: Medium

Subsidy amount: a grant increase of £2,500,000. Total grant awarded: £7,295,000.

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and the National Lottery Etc. Act 1993.

Policy objective:  National Lottery Heritage Grants is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. It is a funding programme that focuses on conserving and valuing heritage for now and the future, supporting nature recovery and environmental sustainability, supporting greater inclusion, diversity, access, and participation in heritage, and strengthening heritage to be adaptive and financially resilient, contributing to communities and economies, all of which is made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: The funding will allow Citizens Theatre to restore and safeguard the future of a Grade B listed Citizens Theatre in Glasgow. The theatre is an important historic cultural landmark and community focal point in Glasgow’s Gorbals area.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels.

Project summary: The Project aims to restore and safeguard the future of the iconic Grade B listed Citizens Theatre in Glasgow. The theatre was located in the Gorbals, an area of severe socio-economic deprivation and was of huge cultural importance in that context and for the whole city. The project would undertake urgent repair and conservation work to restore the original auditorium of the theatre and remove inappropriate modern additions. Accessibility would be improved and the flexibility of backstage and auditorium space would be enhanced. A programme of audience development and outreach events would be delivered.

The theatre is an important historic cultural landmark and community focal point in Glasgow’s Gorbals area. The area has seen significant transformative change through demolition of high rise social housing tower blocks adjacent and replacement with high quality affordable housing delivered by a partnership of private developers and housing associations in what is seen as an exemplar model of urban-planning.

The project will focus particularly on:

  • removing and replacing dilapidated non-original additions
  • maximising public access and enhancing visitor experience
  • cataloguing and conserving historic collections
  • interpreting the heritage of the building
  • delivering a programme of community engagement
  • providing volunteering, training and skills development opportunities.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Menter Ty'n Llan Cyfyngedig

Date of grant: 19 December 2023

Reference: NL-22-00028

Grantee: Menter Ty'n Llan Cyfyngedig

Category of beneficiary: Small and medium sized enterprises

Subsidy amount: £1,709,456

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates The National Lottery Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and National Lottery Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Grants for Heritage is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. A funding programme for projects that connect people and communities to UK-wide, regional and local heritage. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: Menter Ty’n Llan owns and runs Ty’n Llan tavern in Llandwrog and aims to develop the historic building and its garden to provide an accessible community hub for wellbeing and social purposes, to support its organisational sustainability by developing new income streams through hospitality, and to improve environmental performance of the building.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened delegated decision panels.

Project summary: The project aims to transform Ty'n Llan tavern into a community hub which will foster connections between people and place and celebrate the built, natural and cultural-linguistic heritage of Llandwrog and beyond. Physical work includes development of catering and hospitality facilities, provision of car park space, interpretation of regional heritage, and an allotment. A programme of educational and social events for visitors and the community.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to West Calder & Harburn Community Development Trust Ltd

Date of grant: 19 December 2023

Grant expiry date: 31 March 2029

Reference: NL-21-00135

Grantee: West Calder & Harburn Community Development Trust Ltd

Category of beneficiary: Small

Subsidy amount: £1,929,600

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and the National Lottery Etc. Act 1993

Policy objective: National Lottery Heritage Grants is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. It is a funding programme that focuses on conserving and valuing heritage for now and the future, supporting nature recovery and environment sustainability, supporting greater inclusion, diversity, access, and participation in heritage, and strengthening heritage to be adaptive and financially resilient, contributing to communities and economies, all of which is made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: The subsidy will fund a project which will repair and redevelop the vacant and at-risk building into a heritage centre, an accessible hub for education and training and an entry point for local wellbeing services. The historic building represents an important part of the social and industrial heritage of the co-operative movement which was so important to the town of West Calder and wider West Lothian area.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels.

Project summary: Over a five-year delivery phase, this project will repair and redevelop the vacant and at-risk building into a heritage centre, an accessible hub for education and training and an entry point for local wellbeing services. The historic building represents an important part of the social and industrial heritage of the co-operative movement which was so important to the town of West Calder and wider West Lothian area. 

Capital works

  • Comprehensive repairs to the historic building fabric will include brickwork repair, re-slating the roof, reinstatement of leadwork and cast-iron rainwater goods, replacement of windows and removal of internal partitions.
  • Redevelopment of the building will provide reception space, permanent exhibition, temporary gallery, flexible community space, catering kitchen, café, shop and toilets on the ground floor.
  • On the upper floor, a flexible events/exhibition space, archive store, servery, toilets, exhibition storage and a staff room will be provided. The provision of an exhibition store within the building will ensure artefacts related to the Scottish Co-operative moment are appropriately stored.
  • On the lower ground floor, a wellbeing hub of partner organisations office space, store, toilets and a Changing Places toilet will be provided.

Activities, outputs and audiences 

  • Priority audiences to be targeted include: families, young people, autism groups and individuals, older and retired people, schools, Higher and Further Education institutions, heritage tourists and special interest visitors. 
  • Heritage engagement activity will include collections management, gathering and co-producing content, institutional loans, collecting roadshow, undertaking an oral history project, digital crowdsourcing material, community research programmes, banner creation and co-curating temporary exhibitions. 
  • The ‘Hidden Histories’ traineeship will comprise three targeted paid placements for deaf, disabled or neurodivergent individuals to reinterpret co-operative stories through the lens of disability. 
  • The learning programme will provide education materials to enhance visits for primary schools and more specific material for secondary pupils in social subjects and health and wellbeing. Work placements will be provided for students from West Calder High School and West Lothian College. 
  • Volunteering opportunities and training will be provided alongside most functions in the centre (reception, shop, guide, collections, digital, events etc). 
  • A celebratory booklet will be produced for the 150th anniversary of West Calder Co-operative Society in 2025, co-designed with community members and co-operative shareholders. 
  • Wellbeing monitoring and evaluation will be supported and informed by advisory groups and oversight panels including: Autism/ASN lived experience panel, Co-op Heritage and Museums Panel, and Specialist Organisations Panel.

Subsidy control information in relation to Hafod Morfa Copperworks

Date of grant: Grant increase letter dated 15 December 2023

Grant expiry date: 29 February 2024

Reference: HE-15-01729

Grantee: City and County of Swansea

Category of beneficiary: Large

Subsidy amount: £1,428,119 grant increase. Total grant amount: £5,245,519

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and the National Lottery Etc. Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Heritage Grants is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. It is a funding programme that focuses on conserving and valuing heritage for now and the future, supporting nature recovery and environmental sustainability, supporting greater inclusion, diversity, access, and participation in heritage, and strengthening heritage to be adaptive and financially resilient, contributing to communities and economies, all of which is made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: The Heritage Enterprise programme is designed to bridge the funding gap that prevents a historic asset in need of repair from being returned to a beneficial and commercial use. The public policy objective for our Heritage Enterprise programme is to help projects achieve economic growth by investing in heritage. It supports commercial organisations working in partnership with community organisations to help them rescue neglected historic buildings and sites and return them to a viable productive use. 

The original grant involved using public funding to rescue a derelict Grade II listed building, turning this from an empty shell into a vibrant attraction, creating local jobs and increasing the number of visitors to the Copperopolis area. This is a grant increase and the public policy objective was informed by the spike in costs and a realisation that without additional funding the project would be stopped. 

The level of subsidy in this instance is the increase in costs; it is therefore considered to represent the viability gap. This objective recognised that the measure would deliver many meaningful long-term regeneration benefits, thereby contributing to the economic development of the Tawe Valley.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations or partnerships between commercial and not-for-profit organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels. The level of subsidy in this instance is the increase in costs; it is therefore considered to represent the viability gap.

Project summary: This is a Heritage Enterprise project and is based on the conservation deficit, where the existing value of a heritage asset plus the cost of bringing it back into use is greater than the value of the asset after development has been completed.

This project is based on the site of the former Hafod Morfa Copperworks, which contains 12 Grade II listed buildings or structures related to the copper industry (including the Grade II* Powerhouse and Grade II Rolling Mill).

The Rolling Mill building, partially serving as Swansea Museum's Collections Centre, had been in reasonable condition but the other historic buildings had been almost entirely neglected since 1980, with vandalism, arson, and vegetation all hastening decay. Many buildings including the Powerhouse were on the council's Listed Buildings at Risk Register and not considered commercially viable.

The Penderyn whisky company has identified the potential to base an expansion of their highly successful business at the Grade II listed Powerhouse building, and part of the Grade II listed Rolling Mill on the internationally significant Hafod-Morfa Copperworks site in Swansea. 

This expansion of Penderyn on a 99-year lease will provide a sustainable core to act as the catalyst to unlock further regeneration of a site that was the crucible of the world copper industry in the 1800s. Using copper distillery equipment will connect a new manufacturing process with the vibrant past of the site. 

New interpretation and an integrated visitor centre will link the commercial operation with the rich copper history of the site, and act as a focus for the memories and artefacts cherished by local people, bringing them to an international audience.

Project capital works include: 

  • restoration of the Powerhouse Building
  • reconfiguration of the adjacent Rolling Mill for partial use
  • construction of a new visitor centre building between the two

The level of subsidy in this instance is the increase in costs; it is therefore considered to represent the viability gap.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Kala Sangam

Date of grant: 13 December 2023

Grant expiry date: 30 June 2026

Reference: NL-21-00243

Grantee: Kala Sangam

Category of beneficiary: Small

Subsidy amount: £2,291,947

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and the National Lottery Etc. Act 1993.

Policy objective:  National Lottery Heritage Grants is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. It is a funding programme that focuses on conserving and valuing heritage for now and the future, supporting nature recovery and environmental sustainability, supporting greater inclusion, diversity, access, and participation in heritage, and strengthening heritage to be adaptive and financially resilient, contributing to communities and economies, all of which is made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: Transforming Heritage at Kala Sangam: celebrating, archiving and bringing to life the stories of the communities that have shaped St Peter's House and building a bright, accessible future for this landmark heritage building.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels.

Project summary: Kala Sangam has collaborated widely with Bradford's diverse communities, developing large-scale proposals to revitalise its home, the Grade II listed St Peter's House, by removing significant access barriers and creating physical spaces needed for upscaling heritage delivery, supported by an inclusive two-year activities programme.

The 39-month delivery phase will commence in December 2023, with capital works anticipated to complete in April 2025. Activities will be delivered through to February 2026. Full-time staff comprise a Head of Community Engagement and a Heritage Engagement Officer.

Some of the capital works will include:

  • new central entrance, sympathetically designed to complete the existing façade through adapting principal windows into new door openings, and stairs
  • new gallery and interpretation space to act as the central foyer, housing permanent and seasonal heritage interpretation/exhibitions
  • four new studio spaces for heritage engagement
  • two accessible lifts
  • roof fabric protection works
  • access interventions
  • Changing Places facilities
  • repurposing the ground floor, including provision for a new community-led tenant (BCB Community Radio), effectively doubling publicly accessible floor space at St Peter's House

Extensive activity will engage people from across Bradford, focusing specifically in areas experiencing high levels of deprivation and low cultural engagement. 

Kala Sangam will work with four local core-communities, who reflect the multicultural diversity of City Ward (where Kala Sangam is located): 

  • WomenZone (predominantly older, Pakistan-born, South Asian women)
  • NAFS (South Asian mothers and children and Eastern European refugees)
  • u3a (older, White British and no longer in full-time work)
  • New Libya Society (all ages)

During year one, activity will be delivered in local community settings. The second year's activities will be delivered on-site (post-capital) and work created will tour to communities across the district.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Llanelly House Trust Ltd.

Date of grant: 15 November 2023

Reference: NM-23-00581

Grantee: Llanelly House Trust Ltd.  

Category of beneficiary:  Small to Medium Enterprise

Subsidy amount: £112,000 (Grant awarded)

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 National Lottery Etc. Act 1993

Policy objective:  National Lottery Grants for Heritage is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. Using money raised by the National Lottery, the National Lottery Heritage Fund inspires, leads and resources the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and for the future. A funding programme for projects that connect people and communities to the national, regional and local heritage of the UK. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players. 

Purpose of the subsidy: The project facilitates free access to heritage and the project will enable Llanelly House Trust Ltd to reopen Llanelly House as a venue and a visitor attraction working towards a sustainable future.   

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit organisations, or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels.

Project summary: This is a one-year project to revitalise Llanelly House Trust’s business plan and carry out urgent works to Llanelly House, a Grade I listed building which has been described as the finest early 18th century town house in Wales. The project will be funded to support essential maintenance costs and upgrade works. The project is targeting people local to Llanelly House by allowing for the building to reopen as a viable and attractive visitor experience and venue, particularly for school visits.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Cardiff Market Restoration Project

Date of grant: 30 October 2023

Reference: OL-18-07277

Grantee: County Council of the City and County of Cardiff

Category of beneficiary: Large

Subsidy amount: £2,091,500 of £6,504,800 (32%)

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 National Lottery Etc. Act 1993

Policy objective: National Lottery Grants for Heritage is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. A funding programme for projects that connect people and communities to UK-wide, regional and local heritage. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: The grant will fund a project that concentrates on the restoration of the Grade II* listed Victorian indoor market in Cardiff city centre, with a focus on improving the sustainability of the market and increasing / sharing a greater understanding of its heritage.

Eligibility for the subsidy: National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels.

Project summary: The project will focus on the restoration of the Grade II* listed Victorian indoor market in Cardiff city centre, with a focus on improving the sustainability of the market. Through this specific proposal, the applicant seeks to bridge the funding gap that prevents the historic asset in need of repair from being updated and sufficiently maintained in order to continue to be of beneficial use.

This project is based on a Victorian indoor market which has historically been a popular destination for shoppers but has suffered from a decline in the aging visitor base and outdated systems – particularly drainage – that are now preventing current and potential tenants from meeting required standards.

The project will ensure that the historic asset can continue to serve the community and support the local economy into the future, by undertaking significant repairs, modernising sub-sufficient systems and broadening the inclusivity of the market.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Dewsbury Arcade

Date of grant: 26 October 2023 

Reference: NL-21-00235

Grantee: The Council of the Borough of Kirklees (Kirklees Council)

Category of beneficiary: Large (250 plus)

Subsidy amount: £4,441,032 of £6,044,378

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and the National Lottery Etc. Act 1993.

Policy objective: The Heritage Enterprise programme is designed to support developments that would not attract commercial interest and therefore are not commercially viable. The grant calculation is structured around the conservation deficit to ensure our contribution is targeted and appropriately proportionate to the redevelopment cost.

The Arcade is an important part of the Dewsbury Town Centre Strategic Development Framework (2018), Dewsbury Blueprint (2020), the Local Plan and the HAZ partnership. It also features in the Council’s draft Heritage Strategy/Action Plan. The government has demonstrated commitment to the project by committing match funding from the Towns Fund (TF) and Getting Building Fund (GBF). The Council’s application states the project will contribute to Levelling Up.

Purpose of the subsidy: Our grant is a contribution towards the conservation deficit plus activity costs for the restoration and upgrade of the Grade II Dewsbury Arcade and adjacent property.

Eligibility for the subsidy: Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit organisations, or public sector organisations, or for-profit organisation applicants could partner with a not-for-profit body. The heritage asset had to be of outstanding importance to the national heritage and at risk.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels.

Project summary:  Kirklees Council will restore and upgrade the Grade II Listed Dewsbury Arcade, and an adjacent property, to occupy a prominent position in the at-risk Dewsbury Town Centre Conservation Area, before leasing most of them to a Community Benefit Society, aside from two self-contained units that it will let separately. The Community Benefit Society will manage the Arcade as a vibrant central hub, providing independent retail units, artist studios, services, events and large bookend units for food/beverage consumption.

Its target tenants will be creative start-up entrepreneurs/artists, with a particular focus on young people and people of Asian heritage. The project will also include a programme of consultation, exhibitions, activities, learning resource creation and tours. Target audiences will include Kirklees College students, shoppers, pedestrians, visitors, community groups and audiences of the Council’s adult learning and cohesion programmes. Again there will be a particular focus on underrepresented South Asian communities and young people.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Belfast City Council and Strand Arts Centre

Date of grant: 20 September 2023

Reference: NL-21-00125 Strand Arts Centre – A Lasting Picture House

Grantee: Belfast City Council and Strand Arts Centre (charity no 104893) – joint grantees

Category of beneficiary:

Belfast City Council: Large, 250-plus employees

Strand Arts Centre: Small enterprise, 10-49 employees

Subsidy amount: £768,069 of £6,940,069.00

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and the National Lottery Etc. Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Grants for Heritage is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. A funding programme for projects that connect people and communities to UK-wide, regional and local heritage. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

The grant funded project also aligns with local and government strategies and objectives.

It aligns with Northern Ireland (NI)’s Programme for Government (PfG) which sets the policy for NI devolved government. As a regeneration, arts and cultural project this bid will deliver on a number of PfG objectives but most specifically will contribute to NI Department for Communities targets relating to the objective: ‘People want to live, work and visit here’.

The project complements the overriding aims of the Northern Ireland Executive in growing and rebalancing the Northern Ireland economy as well as helping to address outcomes linked to social disadvantage for the local population. The project will complement much of the current initiatives supported by Belfast City Council in regards to growing the cultural offering of the city.

At the local government level, the proposed investment will deliver on the policy objectives of ‘A City Imagining’ Cultural Strategy which makes a long-term commitment to the Belfast’s heritage, cultural and tourism assets as a means to drive transformation. It will quantifiably contribute to achieving 12 of the 16 priorities identified in the strategy. 

Purpose of the subsidy: Funding for a two-and-a-half year capital project for the restoration of the Restoration of the Strand Arts Theatre to be delivered by Belfast City Council together with various activities to be run for the duration of the capital project by Strands Art Centre. On completion of the capital project, Strand Arts Centre will continue to operate the Strand Arts Theatre under its 25-year lease of the property.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels. 

The options appraisal and business case for the provision of arts infrastructure for this part of Belfast and the refurbishment of Strand Arts Centre assessed a number of options and identified this project as the best value for money, delivering on a variety of policy objectives through its social and economic outputs.

Project summary: Restoration of the Strand Arts Centre (SAC) building in a way that maximises its heritage landmark status and enables the development of a high quality, sustainable, creative space in a way that brings positive and demonstrable economic and social benefits to East Belfast.

Capital works include redevelopment of the entrance for level access, small café and ground floor bar. Extension to rear of building for additional access. First floor refurbishment to create learning studios for dance classes, small performances, literary readings. Upgrade to Theatre 2 for live music and plays. Restoration of Crittal windows and exposing dramatic shipyard girders to reveal heritage of the building. Provision of disabled access by lift from foyer to new theatres.

Multi-sensory interpretation works to tell the story of the Strand Theatre, designed to be engaging and accessible to a wide audience with varying abilities and learning styles.

A range of activities during the capital works will include:

  • a pop-up cinema in a vacant unit while the building is closed
  • development of relationships with regional film clubs
  • events with community groups and care homes to collect memories of lost cinema
  • touring Pop-up Picture House with heritage theme
  • various community workshops
  • development of a heritage tour and accompanying hands on projection workshop
  • development of STEM education pack including digital

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to The Seachange Trust

Date of grant: 20 September 2023

Reference: NL-23-00009

Grantee: The Seachange Trust

Category of beneficiary: Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Subsidy amount: £1,968,061

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates The National Lottery Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and National Lottery Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Grants for Heritage is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. A funding programme for projects that connect people and communities to UK-wide, regional and local heritage. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: To enable Out There Arts (The Seachange Trust) to complete the repair, restoration and fit-out of the Ice House as part of a wider package of funding, bringing the building into public use for the first time.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened delegated decision panels.

Project summary: This project will repair and restore Great Yarmouth’s historic Grade II Listed Ice House, the last example of its kind in the UK. The building will become multi-use cultural venue: a centre of excellence for Outdoors Arts and Circus creation, training and delivery, accessible community hub, 650-person event venue and riverside café/bar/terrace space. A Heritage Learning and Creative Community Engagement Programme will be delivered in tandem with the capital works, with particular benefit for the communities surrounding the Ice House.

Subsidy control information in relation to grants to Red Rose Chain

Date of grant: 31 May 2023

Reference: NM-22-01063

Grantee: Red Rose Chain

Category of beneficiary: Small Enterprise

Subsidy amount: £232,882

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and National Lottery Etc Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Grants for Heritage is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. A funding programme for projects that connect people and communities to UK-wide, regional and local heritage. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: The project facilitates free access to heritage and drama workshops for multiple underserved groups that would otherwise struggle to participate.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels. 

Project summary: This three-year project (September 2023 to August 2026) in Ipswich, Suffolk, uses Anglo-Saxon myths to hold theatre-themed heritage workshops, create new learning and digital resources, and create new professional and community drama productions. Workshops will research, consider and re-interpret Anglo-Saxon myth, with some groups creating community productions. Groups will also contribute to an exhibition and the creation of an online resource about the Anglo-Saxons.

The grantee’s regular programme engages young people and people living with disabilities in free theatre workshops (informed by heritage themes and learning). Workshops are also provided for life-prisoners, schools in deprived wards, and asylum seekers.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust 

Date of grant: 12 May 2023

Reference: NM-22-01000

Grantee: Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust (IGMT)

Category of beneficiary: Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Subsidy amount: £250,000

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and National Lottery Etc Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Grants for Heritage is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. A funding programme for projects that connect people and communities to UK-wide, regional and local heritage. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: To enable IGMT to increase reach into local communities and build its organisational resilience. This will support them to protect and maintain their portfolio of 49 buildings and structures across the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations. 

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels. 

Project summary: IGMT intends to increase its medium to longer term financial resilience by commissioning an external review of its financial model, investing in its fundraising department to increase capacity, and commissioning a segmentation analysis. IGMT also intends to increase reach into local communities by funding a post to develop and implement a strategy for increasing breadth and diversity of audiences.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to The Judge’s Lodging Trust

Date of grant: 10 May 2023

Reference: NM-22-01011

Grantee: The Judge’s Lodging Trust Limited  

Category of beneficiary: Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Subsidy amount: £164,952

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates The National Lottery Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and National Lottery Etc Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Grants for Heritage is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. A funding programme for projects that connect people and communities to UK-wide, regional and local heritage. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: To enable the Judge’s Lodging Trust to build organisational resilience by developing a secure source of revenue. This will support the Trust to maintain their accredited museum, which is an important tourist attraction in Presteigne, Powys.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations. 

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened delegated decision panels. 

Project summary: The Judge’s Lodging Trust is looking to secure its long-term financial resilience by repurposing an unused room in the Judge’s Lodging Museum as a holiday let, providing a more secure income stream for the organisation after the loss of guaranteed council funding. The project will also improve access to the museum for disabled visitors by adding a disabled parking space and fitting a new platform lift in the museum.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust

Date of grant: 24 January 2023

Reference: NM-22-00712

Grantee: Iron Bridge Gorge Museum Trust

Category of beneficiary: Small to Medium Enterprise

Subsidy amount: £250,000 (Grant awarded)

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and National Lottery Etc Act 1993.

Policy objective:  To safeguard nationally important heritage assets within England which were at risk as a direct result of COVID-19.

Purpose of the subsidy: As part of an ongoing package of grant funding, the project will help IGMT move beyond the financial challenges exacerbated by COVID-19 and severe flooding over recent years.

Eligibility for the subsidy:  Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit organisations, or public sector organisations.  The heritage asset had to be of outstanding importance to the national heritage and at risk.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels.

Project summary: As part of an ongoing package of grant funding, the project will help IGMT move beyond the financial challenges exacerbated by COVID-19 and severe flooding over recent years. Addressing repairs and maintenance in a comprehensive programme will enable the Trust to continue their operation, rather than ‘firefighting’ and focusing only on overdue urgent repairs or safety issues.  This project will support essential maintenance costs focusing on areas of planned and reactive maintenance and salary costs of existing staff. This is time-limited funding on a Full Cost Recovery basis to support the organisation in reaching a more sustainable position (both in terms of organisational capacity and the condition of the heritage assets) following a period of significant challenges.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Paxton17 Ltd 

Date of grant: 24 January 2023

Reference: NL-21-000140

Grantee: Paxton17 Ltd

Category of beneficiary: Small to Medium Enterprise

Subsidy amount: £2,677,310 (Grant awarded)

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and National Lottery Etc Act 1993.

Policy objective: The Heritage Enterprise programme is designed to support developments that would not attract commercial interest and therefore are not commercially viable. The grant calculation is structured around the conservation deficit to ensure our contribution is targeted and appropriately proportionate to the redevelopment cost.

Purpose of the subsidy: Our grant is a contribution towards the conservation deficit plus activity costs. Proposals include a café and gallery. Our grant will support the redevelopment of the historic buildings into artist studios and through the activity programme will help deliver skills-development opportunities for local communities.

Eligibility for the subsidy: Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit organisations, or public sector organisations, or for-profit organisation applicants could partner with a not-for-profit body. The heritage asset had to be of outstanding importance to the national heritage and at risk.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels.

Project summary: Paxton17 Ltd have received a grant under our Heritage Enterprise programme to restore and redevelop two derelict Grade II* Georgian townhouses and give them a sustainable new use as artist studios. Our grant will support the redevelopment of the historic buildings into artist studios and through the activity programme will help deliver skills-development opportunities for local communities.

Subsidy control information in relation to individual awards, 2022

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Royal Chelsea Hospital  

Date of grant: 16 September 2022

Reference: NL-21-00018

Grantee:  Royal Chelsea Hospital  

Category of beneficiary:  Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Subsidy amount: £3,179,089

Legal basis of subsidy:  The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates The National Lottery Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980 and National Lottery Etc Act 1993.

Policy objective: National Lottery Grants for Heritage is our open programme for all types of heritage projects in the UK. A funding programme for projects that connect people and communities to UK-wide, regional and local heritage. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Purpose of the subsidy: As part of a site-wide capital scheme outside the scope of this project, the Soane Stables – currently used for storage and unsuitable for public access – will be restored and fitted out as a visitor centre. New interpretation, public engagement opportunities and a programme of activities will promote public enjoyment and public knowledge of the heritage.

Eligibility for the subsidy: The National Lottery Heritage Fund will inspire, lead and resource sustainable, thriving UK heritage. Applicants had to be charities, not-for-profit or public sector organisations.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels.

Project summary: The Royal Hospital Chelsea will use the funding over three and a half years (from September 2022 to December 2025), to carry out capital works to refurbish and fit out the Soane Stables. Running alongside, there will be a detailed activity plan to deliver a step-change in the visitor offer. The visitor centre will be available to the public following the project for our remaining contract term.

Subsidy control information in relation to grant to Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust

Date of grant: 1 February 2022

Reference: MF-21-00078

Grantee: Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust (IGMT)

Category of beneficiary: Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Subsidy amount: £9,974,353

Legal basis of subsidy: The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (the body corporate which operates the Heritage Fund) has statutory power to award grants under the National Heritage Act 1980.

The Cultural Assets Fund was administered by the Heritage Fund, who distributed grant in aid monies (with funds provided by DCMS as part of the government’s wider Culture Recovery Fund) to support any heritage asset which is of outstanding importance to the national heritage and was at risk due to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Policy objective: To safeguard nationally important heritage assets within England which were at risk as a direct result of COVID-19.

Purpose of the subsidy: To safeguard, through enabling repair and conservation, a portfolio of 49 buildings and structures across the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, and to provide an endowment to enable the grantee to return to financial viability and operate post-pandemic.

Eligibility for the subsidy: Applicants to the Cultural Assets Fund had to be charities, not-for-profit organisations, or public sector organisations.  The heritage asset had to be of outstanding importance to the national heritage and at risk due to the impact of COVID-19.

Basis for subsidy calculation: The project costs as set out in the grantee’s application and assessed and verified by Heritage Fund staff and the specially convened recommendation and decision panels.

Project summary: IGMT will use the subsidy funding to address a conservation repair backlog for 49 buildings and structures across the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Shropshire. The project comprises a three-year capital works programme which will enable IGMT to address the most urgent conservation needs which are currently beyond their financial capability and put the Trust back on a stable financial footing to aid recovery post COVID-19. The subsidy also includes £4.5m of endowment funding which will be managed by a professional Investment Management firm to generate income to fund ongoing conservation maintenance.

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