1st July 2008
The Apollo Pavilion and its surrounding landscape in Peterlee, District of Easington is to be restored to its former grandeur as an iconic example of 1960s architecture. The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded a grant of £336,000 (77%) to fund the work and return the building to the community. Situated in Sunny Blunts Park and the centrepiece of the Sunny Blunts estate, the Apollo Pavilion was built in the late 1960s as collaboration between internationally renowned artist Victor Pasmore, and local town planners developing the town of Peterlee. Named after the Apollo space mission, it was constructed to symbolise post-war simplicity and harmony. In recent years the Pavilion has had a chequered history, sadly becoming victim to scenes of anti-social behaviour and prompting the community to campaign for its restoration as a Peterlee landmark.
Dr. Keith Bartlett, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for the North East, said “Following strong support from local people for the revival of the Apollo Pavilion as a valuable feature of Peterlee’s local heritage, the building is now set to become an historical architectural centrepiece of the North East once again. It is truly a 1960s design icon and the Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted that it will now be preserved for future generations whilst enjoying new and innovative uses that will add value to the lives of the community.”
The HLF funds will enable District of Easington Council to work closely with the community and in particular the Apollo Pavilion Residents’ Steering Group to realise their plans for the buildings’ restoration.
Parts of the structure and its architectural features will be restored to the original design, including reinstating the Pavilion within its landscape setting. Highlights will include the replacement of the staircase to allow access to the upper level, and full restoration of two original Pasmore murals including feature lighting. In addition, Sunny Blunts Park will receive a major facelift being re-cobbled and reed beds added to the West End lake to the original design.
The Apollo Pavilion project will also see the appointment of a Community Education Officer to develop an education programme linked to the national curriculum, whilst the artist’s son John Pasmore will be making his archive public at local libraries in Peterlee. A programme of heritage activities including events, workshops, and a website will all be explored via the project to bring to life the Pavilion and share its history with the local and wider community.
Commenting on the award Cllr Joan Freak, Executive Member for Social Inclusion and Culture, District of Easington Council said "This award from the Heritage Lottery Fund is excellent news. Refurbishment of the Pavilion, together with the landscaping of the area will provide a boost to the regeneration of this part of Peterlee and enhance its role as a tourist destination. The planned education and community programmes will promote understanding and appreciation of the Pavilion. We are grateful to HLF and to those residents and other supporters in the local community who have helped to secure such a generous grant from this fund for good causes.”
John Pasmore, son of Victor Pasmore said “I’m delighted by the news. The restoration of the Apollo pavilion and lake will represent a landmark achievement in helping to secure the legacy of my father's work in Peterlee, to which he was dedicated for so long.”
Maurice Mountford, Chair of the Apollo Pavilion Residents’ Steering Group added “Restoring the Pavilion back to its original condition is a real boost for the local community. The residents’ group has worked tirelessly for several years with District of Easington Council to achieve this goal. This makes all that effort worthwhile, which is very pleasing.”
The restoration of the Apollo Pavilion has been campaigned for since 2002. Work is due to start in November and is scheduled to take six months to complete. The education programme will start in September 2008 and run until December 2009.
Notes to Editors:
Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)
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 26,000 projects, allocating over £4billion across the UK. Website: www.hlf.org.uk.
Victor Pasmore
Victor Pasmore (Master at Kings College Newcastle) was selected to act as consultant to the architects of the Peterlee New Town. He was perhaps the most influential abstract artist in Britain and became one of the leading abstract painters of our time. His work can be found in many Public Collections around the world including: Tate Britain, Royal Academy of Arts - London, Museum of Modern Art - New York, The British Council, Yale Center for British Art.
Public consultation
A Steering Group involving ward councillors and community representatives was formed in 2004 to lead the development of the restoration proposals. They sought the views of residents and others and found there was widespread support for the plans.
Door to Door Survey (2003/4) – 359 residents (91% of participants) expressed support for plans to renovate the site.
Peterlee Show (2003) – 53 out of 54 were in favour of restoration.
Interviews at DLI Museum (2006) – Of 156 people visiting a Victor Pasmore exhibition 68% felt it should be restored and 76% expressed the clear intention to visit the Pavilion when it was restored.
Planning Application for Restoration 2007 – No objections received.
Summary of proposals
Repairs to the concrete and a general clean of all concrete faces.
To reinstate electrics and lighting meet current health and safety regulations.
Reopen access to the deck Level
Repainting Victor Pasmore’s murals on the north and south vertical faces
Introducing planting within the lake
Reinstating seating and introducing litterbins and interpretation panels to encourage local residents and visitors to use and enjoy the open space as intended.