Barrow’s heritage groups are set to receive an £120,000 boost, thanks to the National Lottery.
In 2017, 20 groups were given between £200 and £3,000 to run projects across the town, but may were hit hard by coronavirus.
The latest grant, from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will allow them to continue the work they started.
Barrow’s Heritage – Micro to Mighty will also work with the groups to find extra funding to keep their work going and will be open to new groups.
It will employ a full-time heritage project officer for 18 months to organise heritage events in the town and mentor heritage groups in Barrow to develop and grow.
Barrow’s Grade II* listed town hall is also part of the programme and there will be a consultation about using it as a community facility.
Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is currently visiting Barrow.
She said: “Heritage is for everyone; it is the core of our places and our people, protecting and passing on the things we value to future generations – it has the power to support communities and to change lives.
“I’m very proud that we’re collaborating again with Barrow Borough Council on the ‘Barrow’s Heritage – Micro to Mighty’ programme to continue to make this area’s rich heritage accessible. I feel so privileged to meet so many passionate advocates for heritage, and to experience these treasures first hand – what a wealth of amazing places and stories, and what a great foundation to build on for communities, tourism and the economy.”
Ann Thomson, leader of Barrow Borough Council, said: “This truly excellent news. The microgrants provided to 20 local groups in 2017 made a huge difference, allowing them to reach out and connect the rich heritage we are lucky to have here in Barrow with a wide range of people across our communities. This funding means that incredible work can now continue, ensuring our heritage is accessible for all. I look forward to seeing these groups thrive and people’s general interest and understanding of our heritage grow as this fascinating and worthwhile project moves forward.”
During her two-day stay, Eilish is visiting the Re:discover Barrow High Street Heritage Action Zone project in the Central Barrow Conservation Area.
The area incorporates areas of Cornwallis Street, Duke Street, Ramsden Square and Abbey Road which received a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant in 2010.
It is part of the High Street Heritage Action Zones cultural programme which is enhancing 68 English high streets through art, sound and film.
Historic England is leading the £7.4 million cultural programme in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund which has invested £3 million in it and Arts Council England.
Eilish will be taking a boat trip to Piel Island where she will be meeting the Piel Island king Aaron Sanderson, and going for a guided walk around the island.
Eilish is also meeting the chief executive of Barrow Borough Council Sam Plum and visiting the Dock Museum, South Walney Nature Reserve and Earnse Bay.
