It was announced today that the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded Gravesham Borough Council £172,300 to repair the local landmark which sits to the east of the town centre and greets people arriving in and leaving the town.

The 51-feet clock tower was built in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee and is Grade II listed.

The money will be used to repair the stonework and restore the clock faces and hands as well as install a lighting scheme to illuminate the tower at night.

Cllr John Cubitt, leader of Gravesham Borough Council said: “This is excellent and very timely news. We can now get on with repairing the clock tower and keeping this iconic landmark for future generations.”

Alongside the restoration works, the council will also be organising guided tours, a photo exhibition and workshops for primary schools to explore the history of the clock tower and its importance in the local area.

Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East, said: “This clock tower will be well known to everyone in the area and is a precious part of Gravesend’s heritage. Thanks to National Lottery players, our investment will ensure that it will continue to tell passers-by the time for many years to come and that its history is much better known.

“Coupled with the exciting plans to install a new lighting scheme, this project will give the tower the prominence it deserves.”

Gravesham is a priority area for HLF because of low levels of applications since the National Lottery was set up in 1994. Since 2008, when Gravesham was made a priority area, £981,015 has been awarded to 27 projects.

Joseph Minden, Development Officer for HLF South East England, is keen to hear from organisations interested in developing heritage projects. He regularly works with the Council for Voluntary Service North West Kent to offer local information and advice workshops, and 1-2-1 surgeries. Contact him via email: joseph.minden@hlf.org.uk.

Further information

HLF: Tom Williams, Communications Manager on email: tom.williams@hlf.org.uk or tel: 0207 591 6056

Gravesham Borough Council: Graham Cole or Sarah Knight via email: communciations@gravesham.gov.uk or tel: 01474 337304