The Council of the Isles of Scilly has received £173,831 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to further develop plans for a new Museum and Cultural Centre. This funding is available thanks to National Lottery players and will enable the Council to develop detailed proposals which can then be used to apply for a full grant of £3.85 million to contribute to the delivery of the project.
The project aims to protect the islands’ heritage by providing a new home for the Isles of Scilly Museum Association’s collections, whilst restoring the Town Hall building on St Mary’s as an important community space that is integral to the life of the islands.
The Town Hall was built in 1887 and is Grade II listed. Essential conservation work will be needed to restore the building and an extension will enable its regeneration into a multi-use cultural centre and museum with a café. This modern, flexible space is intended to reinvigorate the surrounding area, support local businesses and create new employment. It will also enable a programme of engagement, training, skills development and volunteering opportunities.
This funding follows previous awards of £440,579 from the government’s Community Renewal Fund (including £47,909 match funding from the Council) and £750,000 from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme.
Councillor Robert Francis, Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly, said: “we are delighted to have received the support of the Heritage Fund to help us take this fantastic project forward. The renovation and redevelopment of the Town Hall will provide a place for everyone to gather to enjoy a wide range of cultural and community activities and to celebrate our islands’ heritage. This funding brings us a step closer to realising this very special facility for the community of Scilly.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England, London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “At the Heritage Fund, we are committed to helping make sure heritage is accessible to all as we know how important it is to bring people together. This project will strengthen the community by helping local people learn about their heritage while also offering a much-needed community space. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have given our initial support and look forward to working with the team ahead of their full grant application.”
Jess Vian, Chair of the Isles of Scilly Museum Association, said: “the Isles of Scilly Museum Association is delighted with the success of this application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which will help us make the history, environment and heritage of the islands available to locals and visitors alike.”
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About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
National Lottery Heritage Fund grant applications over £250,000 are assessed in two rounds. Isles of Scilly new Museum and Cultural Centre has initially been granted round one development funding of £173,831 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award of £3,850,000.
Using money raised by the National Lottery, we Inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. www.heritagefund.org.uk.
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Since The National Lottery began in 1994, National Lottery players have raised over £43 billion for projects and more than 635,000 grants have been awarded across the UK. More than £30 million raised each week goes to good causes across the UK.