National Lottery funding boost for Cumbria tourist attractions

National Lottery funding boost for Cumbria tourist attractions

Steam engine J21 number 60533 in the 1960s
Steam engine J21 number 65033 being serviced at Carlisle during the enthusiasts special of 7 May 1960 LCLT and SRC
£3.6million has been awarded to three key visitor attractions across Cumbria this summer, thanks to National Lottery players.

Carlisle Cathedral: just under £2m

Dating back to 1122, Carlisle Cathedral is one of the city’s oldest buildings. This exciting new project will restore and extend the Fratry at the heart of the Cathedral’s Grade I listed precinct and unlock a wealth of stories to bring to life its unique and turbulent history.

Urgent repair works will be carried out at this nationally important heritage site before it is transformed into a multi-purpose community and learning space with improved interpretation and new facilities including a café.

A full time heritage and learning officer will oversee the care and digitisation of the Cathedral’s historic 17th century library, train volunteers and establish a learning programme for schools and the local community.

[quote=Nathan Lee, Head of HLF North West]“Whether it’s the stunning architecture of its cathedrals, beautiful rolling landscapes or steam trains roaring through the countryside, Cumbria has it all."[/quote]

The Cumbrian Victorian Locomotive Experience: £954,900

Kirkby Stephen East (KSE) station, run entirely by volunteers, will be transformed when it returns a rare Victorian locomotive to steam and creates a new Heritage and Interpretation suite in an Edwardian railway stores van - exploring 200 years of rail in Cumbria with an action-packed programme of events.

Conserving Coniston and Crake: £763,300

One of the Lake District’s most famous lakes, Coniston Water, is to become the focus of a new campaign to improve its water quality, habitats and biodiversity.

The scheme, spearheaded by the South Cumbria Rivers Trust (SCRT) and Coniston & Crake Catchment Partnership (CCCP) will:

  • preserve at-risk species such as Atlantic Salmon and European Eels
  • improve habitat in and around the watercourses of the Coniston & Crake Valley
  • restore Coniston Water’s reed beds; reduce unwanted nutrients
  • control invasive species to protect natural habitats under threat

Investment in Cumbria

HLF has supported 635 projects to date in Cumbria totalling just under £115m investment into the area since 1994.

To support the Lake District’s UNESCO World Heritage status bid, due to be announced 31 July, visit the Bid website.

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