Currently, the Tower of London’s facilities are limited and oversubscribed, meaning many schools miss out, particularly those with additional access needs. Our funding will help Historic Royal Palaces conserve and adapt part of the Waterloo Block into a modern, fully accessible space.
The new space will include flexible classrooms, studios, a lecture hall, archive study centre and a broadcast facility. This will increase education and community spaces at the Tower of London by 250%, enabling up to 200,000 school visits and 24,000 community participants each year.
Major access improvements will include lifts and a dedicated accessible studio, all guided by consultation with specialists, schools and community groups. The project will also:
- create six full-time apprenticeships
- open up opportunities to engage people of all ages and abilities with heritage
- improve the building’s environmental performance and support wider plans to create a biodiverse moat
John Barnes, Chief Executive, Historic Royal Palaces, said: “The Tower of London sparks curiosity and inspires learning at every age. This investment will give children and young people more ways to explore its stories: in the classroom, on site and online. By widening access and creating more inclusive spaces, we can reach many more learners across the UK, helping them to connect with history, build confidence and feel that they belong.”
If you’re looking for further project inspiration, explore our funding across the London & South area.
