7 English heritage gems to be restored by the National Lottery Heritage Fund

The UK’s architectural and cultural heritage is set to be revealed in a new light. The National Lottery Heritage Fund has announced a major £27 million investment to restore and repurpose seven iconic heritage sites across the country. The initiative combines historic preservation with community engagement.

The £27 million investment is part of a wider vision. The National Lottery Heritage Fund plans to inject £1 billion into heritage projects over the next three years. By restoring these sites, the organisation is not only working to preserve history, but also to boost the economic and social development of the areas concerned.

The seven heritage gems restored

Jumbo Water Tower, Colchester

With an £8 million grant, this Grade II* listed water tower will be transformed into a heritage and events space open to the public for the first time.

Canada House, Sheffield

A £4.7 million investment will be made to convert this historic 1875 building into Harmony Works, a music centre for young talent.

Palais de Danse, St Ives

A former studio of artist Barbara Hepworth, the space will be redeveloped with a £2.8 million grant. It has been closed for 65 years and will become an iconic cultural venue.

Kingsley Hall, Bristol

A £4.7 million investment will restore the Grade II* listed building and transform it into a community centre for young people at risk of homelessness.

Marchwell Studios, Chichester

A £1.2 million investment will transform these former stables into creative spaces for local artisans, fostering employment and innovation.

Strand Cinema, Belfast

A £768,000 grant will save Northern Ireland’s last remaining art deco cinema, ensuring its cultural role in the community.

Old Royal High School, Edinburgh

With an initial funding of £437,000, this landmark, which has been vacant for 50 years, will be transformed into a cultural hub, with the potential for further funding of up to £5 million.

Why is this investment so important?

The UK is full of historic buildings, often under threat from the passage of time and lack of funding. These landmarks, beyond their architectural significance, tell the stories of centuries of culture and events that have shaped the country. The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s initiative is not just about restoration: it aims to bring these places back to life in their local communities.

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, explains it well.

“It’s wonderful to start the New Year by investing in projects that are saving heritage treasures across the UK. These exceptional buildings, rich with decades of shared memories, will be repurposed for the 21st century, at the heart of communities and places.”

Each restored site will become a living place, both a witness to history and an actor in the future. This initiative reminds us that heritage should not be frozen: it can be a catalyst for change and a focal point for communities.

“These projects create memories for future generations while enhancing the legacy of the past.”

With this approach, the National Lottery Heritage Fund shows how gambling can be a driving force for the common good, transforming funds raised into opportunities for all.

What is the National Lottery Heritage Fund?

The National Lottery Heritage Fund is a UK organisation that funds projects to preserve and enhance the country’s cultural, historical and natural heritage. Funds are raised from the National Lottery revenue, allowing it to invest in initiatives that benefit local communities. Since its creation in 1994, the organisation has supported thousands of projects, ranging from the restoration of historic buildings to the conservation of natural areas, and the funding of educational and community activities.

Are there similar initiatives in Belgium?

In Belgium, the National Lottery plays a similar role by supporting various cultural, social and heritage projects. Thanks to the revenues generated by its games, it finances initiatives that enrich the community fabric of the country. The Belgian National Lottery has invested millions of euros in various projects. For example, it contributes to the restoration of historic monuments, the development of museums, the preservation of natural areas, it supports sports and people with disabilities.