27th June 2008
Following a highly competitive round of funding decisions which was five times over-subscribed, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has earmarked* over £7million to repair and restore two historic landmark buildings in Bolton in North West England and Llanelli in South Wales. All Souls Church, which retains the vast majority of its original Victorian features, and Llanelly House, one of the finest surviving examples of a Georgian townhouse in Wales, are set to receive £3.6million each to fund their rejuvenation plans.
The Fund also confirmed** over £16million of grants to the Burns Museum in Ayrshire, Shire Hall in Monmouth, Watts Gallery in Surrey and Durlston Head Castle in Dorset.
Carole Souter, Chief Executive at HLF, commenting on the earmarked funding for All Souls Church and Llanelly House said "These wonderful buildings both stand at the heart of their respective communities. They each tell a fascinating story about an important period in Britain’s history. The investment of Heritage Lottery Fund money will enable them once more to welcome people in and give them, and the communities they serve, a more confident future."
Bringing All Souls Church back to life
All Souls Church is an outstanding Grade II* listed building in the heart of Bolton. It was built in 1878-81 under the patronage of the Greenhalgh brothers, who were local mill owners with a strong evangelical faith. The church was designed by Paley and Austin, two of Lancashire’s most prolific church architects, who were responsible for designing some of the period’s most impressive Gothic revival churches, and originally seated 800 worshippers.
Loyd Grossman OBE FSA, Chair of the Churches Conservation Trust, said “The rebirth of All Souls Bolton is an inspirational project of local, regional and national significance. Thanks to the foresight and generosity of the Heritage Lottery Fund we have the opportunity to return this historic building to the heart of the community it was built to serve. Community involvement and enthusiasm is the key to ensuring the future of many of our most important historic buildings. We hope that All Souls Bolton will provide a great example for others to follow.”
All Souls was constructed at a time when the industrial population was growing. The parish was created in 1879 to serve the mill’s workforce who lived in the terraced streets around the church. By the middle of the 20th century, the cotton industry had declined, and the congregation had shrunk so much that the church had to close.
HLF’s £3.3million grant to the Churches Conservation Trust, along with £265,000 of immediate development funding, will help to support essential repairs and the innovative project to breathe new life into All Souls. Facilities for training, education, youth activities, health and welfare will be among a range of community facilities housed by two free standing ‘pods’ which will be built within the nave of the church. An area dedicated to the history of the building and the local area will give the diverse population of Bolton an opportunity to explore and understand the important story All Souls has to tell.
Vital funding for Llanelli’s landmark building
Grade I listed Llanelly House is an exemplary early 18th-century Georgian town house; it is also one of Llanelli's most important historic buildings. The house was originally built in 1714 by Thomas Stepney, the MP for Carmarthenshire at the time. John Wesley, the early leader of the Methodist movement, stayed at the house several times during his many visits to the town. The building was also the Welsh finalist in the first series of BBC Two’s ‘Restoration’ programme in 2003.
HLF’s £3.4million grant and £146,000 of development funding will support extensive repair and restoration work to the House. This will help transform it into a Community Heritage Centre with exhibition space, a café/restaurant and a dedicated space for community groups to use.
Other decisions taken by HLF’s board
HLF’s board of trustees also looked at the following applications but were unable to support them:
• Sir John Soane’s Museum development project, Sir John Soane’s Museum – grant request £3.34million
• Newbridge Institute and Memo restoration project, Celynen Collieries Institute and Memorial Hall – grant request £3.17million
• How Motoring Transformed the Nation, National Motor Museum – grant request £2.9million
• The Guildhall Project, King Edward VI School – grant request £3.6million
• The Music Hall redevelopment, Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council – grant request £2.62million
• New for Old, Lancashire Record Office – grant request £4.63million
• Wentworth Castle and Stainborough Park, Wentworth Castle and Stainborough Park Heritage Trust – grant request £4.83million
• Your Paintings, The Public Catalogue Foundation – grant request £3.5million
• Living The Poor Life, The National Archives – grant request £644,000
• Facing Out, The National Portrait Gallery – grant request £418,000
Carole Souter, commented ‘This was an extremely competitive round with funding five times over-subscribed, as a result, there were a number of strong applications which we simply did not have the money to support.”
Notes to Editors
• * A ‘Stage One Pass’ means that money has been earmarked by HLF for the project in question. Competition at this stage is tough, and while a Stage One Pass does not guarantee funding, it is an indication of positive support, and money for the scheme is set aside. The applicant can then progress to Stage Two and submit a further, fully developed application to secure the full grant. On occasion, at Stage One, funding will also be awarded towards the development of the scheme.
• ** HLF confirms the full grant following the successful award of a Stage Two application.
• Images of All Souls Church and Llanelly House are available on request.
• 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.