The National Lottery Heritage Fund is embarking on a transformative 10-year project known as the Heritage Places initiative, aimed at revitalizing towns and cities across the United Kingdom.
Targeted Support for Urban Regeneration
The Heritage Places initiative has identified nine initial locations to receive targeted support, with plans to announce an additional 11 in the near future. Over the course of the next decade, this ambitious initiative aims to allocate £200 million ($243 million) to fund 20 long-term projects, fostering the regeneration of predominantly urban landscapes.
The nine selected Heritage Places include Armagh City, Banbridge, Craigavon, County Durham, Glasgow, Leicester, Medway, Neath Port Talbot, North-East Lincolnshire, Stoke-on-Trent, and Torbay.
Aligning with Heritage 2033 Strategy
This initiative is in alignment with the Heritage Fund’s recently launched Heritage 2033 strategy, reflecting the organization’s commitment to driving positive change and preserving the nation’s heritage.
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, emphasized that the selection of Heritage Places was based on an evidence-based approach, combining quantitative research with local insights to pinpoint areas with specific heritage needs and opportunities.
A Legacy of Support
The Heritage Fund’s Heritage Places initiative follows a series of projects and partnerships that have received support. Notable examples include the Coastal Connections project by Morecambe Artist Colony and Time & Tide Bell, which aims to capture local sentiment and memories through immersive audio experiences.
Furthermore, the fund has provided over £200,000 in grants to organizations in Newry, Mourne, and Down, with the goal of enhancing community connections, alleviating the impact of rising living costs, and supporting mental health.
Martin Thomas, Executive Director of Torbay Culture, emphasized the significance of their 10-year partnership with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, describing it as a transformative shift in how they support and preserve local heritage.