Carole Souter, Chief Executive of HLF, said, “Heritage has huge potential to excite and inspire and this funding will definitely deliver both in spades. It’s great news that HLF is able to support such a wide breadth of heritage projects, from protecting our vital insect life to transforming much-loved historic buildings and passing on heritage boatbuilding skills for future generations.”

The following projects have received HLF investment today:

Polli:Nation, UK-wide biodiversity project – initial support of £1.3m, including a development grant of £26,000

‘Free’ pollination by bees and other insects is worth over £400m to UK agriculture each year but their numbers are in severe decline. This innovative project will engage 260 schools to help transform their grounds into pollinator-friendly habitats. Data recording will monitor any changes in species diversity and numbers. A network of young enthusiasts will help by spreading knowledge and creating green ‘stepping stones’ such as bug hotels and bee houses to enable insects to move with ease between different areas.

Bug House
Bug House

St Albans Cathedral, Hertfordshire – initial support of £4.2m, including a development grant of £391,800

St Albans Cathedral has been a site of continuous worship and pilgrimage for over 1700 years and sits on the site of the execution and burial of Alban, Britain’s first Christian Saint. It is an outstanding historic building which has played a pivotal role in the city’s history. Much-needed conservation work will take place on the shrine of St Amphibalus, the priest who converted Alban to Christianity and a comprehensive education and events programme is also planned. The project will create new learning spaces for both children and adults and a new welcome centre to ensure better facilities for all visitors.

Being Brunel: the national Brunel Project, Bristol – initial support of £4.9m, including a development grant of £176,000

The ss Great Britain Trust is working on a major new museum development within the historic Great Western Steamship Company dockyard. This new space will give public access to Brunel’s collections for the first time and bring Brunel’s worldwide reputation as a ‘hero engineer’ to life. These visionary plans will see the restoration and completion of the authentic dockyard setting at Brunel’s ss Great Britain, an HLF-funded, award-winning visitor attraction.

Brunel's cigar case and last cigar
Brunel’s cigar case and last cigar

The Underfall Yard Project, Bristol – grant of £3m

HLF’s grant will enable the Underfall Yard Trust to create a Maritime Centre of Excellence within Bristol Harbour. Dating from the early 1800s, the site, known as the city’s ‘Floating Harbour’, is home to Victorian hydraulic systems for controlling water levels and lock gates and workshops that have changed little over the past two centuries. Plans include new opportunities for maritime businesses and training to flourish, much improved access for the public and the conversion of the former boiler room into ’The Power House’ learning centre.

The six other projects are:

HMS Warrior – the Royal Navy’s first iron-hulled warship, will receive essential repairs at its home in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Screen South’s Accentuate History of Place – large numbers of volunteers, including disabled people, will be involved in telling the hidden history of disability in the UK in relation to sites of historic importance.

Highcliffe Castle – one of the most important surviving houses of the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture in Christchurch, Dorset, is set to receive some urgent conservation work.

Brackley Town Hall – a historic building in the centre of a Northamptonshire market town, will be restored and put back to use as a community facility.

Newcastle University’s Grade II listed Hatton Gallery – is on a journey to become a major cultural and education resource for the North East.

The Former North British Rubber Company HQ in Edinburgh – birthplace of the Wellington boot, is set to be transformed into a site where small businesses can thrive in an historic setting.

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