The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) welcomes the recognition from Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State of Department of Culture, Media and Sport, in her essay, “Better Places to Live”, (published 23 March 2005) that people want lottery funding to support the heritage as it brings immense value in creating a better environment for us all.

“The argument goes to the very heart of what heritage and HLF are all about. People tell us that heritage is important in contributing to a sense of civic pride and confidence, developing shared values and bringing people together to strengthen communities.” said Carole Souter, HLF’s director.

“The pamphlet concentrates on the built environment where our work is not just about conservation, it’s also about regeneration and economic prosperity which benefit people. Restoring historic buildings can put the heart back into communities greatly improving the quality of people’s lives.”

Over the last few weeks HLF has announced grants to support a broad range of built heritage including Norwich Cathedral, the Royal Hall Harrogate, the Ulster Museum and Derry Playhouse in Northern Ireland, the restoration of the Social Centre built in the East Midlands mining village of Creswell in 1903, work to the Palace Theatre in Redditch and Redcar’s town clock in Cleveland bringing its support to over £1.2 billion for historic buildings and monuments over the last decade.

The publication is timely for HLF. It sits well with the Fund’s commitment to continuing to listen and engage with heritage partners and the public. Later this year HLF starts a wide consultation process as it develops its third Strategic Plan to be published in 2007.