The award, made under HLF’s Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme to Tower Hamlets Council will see the Whitechapel Market Conservation area treated to a makeover as part of the wider £22million High Street 2012 programme – currently underway to transform the locality in time for the Olympics. 

The THI scheme focuses on a cluster of 60 historic buildings at Whitechapel Market, some of which date back as far as the 17th century. The works, due to begin this spring will enable this bustling and culturally diverse area to be transformed with traditional shop fronts being restored and under-occupied buildings brought back into use.

Grants, funded through the THI, will be available to building owners and leaseholders along the north-side of the market, from 197-317 Whitechapel Road. To date, planning permission has been secured for the first nine buildings to be restored under the THI, which will be managed by Tower Hamlets Council and overseen by HLF, English Heritage and the LDA.

A ‘Heritage, Culture & Community Grants’ programme will also mean that local heritage, community and cultural organisations and charities can get involved and deliver their own projects as part of High Street 2012. 

Sue Bowers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for London, said: “This investment will not only create a lasting Olympic legacy in historic East London, it will transform the Whitechapel area and make essential improvements and repairs that will encourage stability and growth for local business – ultimately benefiting both locals and visitors to this  vibrant area.”

Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: “Whitechapel Road, as part of High Street 2012, forms the key link between central London and the Olympic Park and is currently undergoing major regeneration work to help create a lasting legacy from the 2012 Games for Tower Hamlets. 

“This project will give the East End a boost ensuring its rich architectural heritage can be preserved for residents, Olympic visitors and future generations to enjoy.”

Works to be undertaken as part of the Whitechapel Market THI will be delivered in five phases, starting at the end of March 2011, and the final phase, at the eastern end of the parade, is estimated to complete in March 2013.

Notes to editors

Whitechapel Market: a preview of the sort of improvements the buildings/ area will gain, can be seen at the first cluster of the Scheme – at Aldgate East/ 64-8 Whitechapel High Street, opposite the Whitechapel Art Gallery, where 6 buildings were carefully restored, with new fascias, painted timber signs, and new timber sash windows; which make the area smarter and more vibrant, whilst setting the standard for conservation repairs in the area.

For more information on the Heritage, Culture & Community Grants programme please contact HCCG@highstreet2012.com

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 30,000 projects, allocating over £4.5billion across the UK, including £868million to projects in London alone.

HLF’s Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) encourages partnerships of local organisations to carry out repairs and other works to a number of historic buildings, structures or spaces. Grants range from £500,000 to £2m.   To date, HLF has invested almost £200m regenerating towns that have suffered serious social and economic decline.

Further information

Vicky Wilford, HLF Press Office on 020 7591 6046 / 07973 401937 or vickyw@hlf.org.uk.

Lara Cerroni, Tower Hamlets Council on 020 7364 0519 or lara.cerroni@towerhamlets.gov.uk