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Stanmer Park restoration project receives lottery grant

Besi Besemar January 6, 2015

The joint bid by Brighton and Hove City Council and the South Downs National Park for a multi-million pound Lottery grant to develop exciting new plans for Stanmer Park moves a step closer today.

Stanmer Park

BRIGHTON AND HOVE has received a development grant of £291,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund for the Stanmer Park Restoration Project.

The money comes from the Funds’ joint Parks for People scheme and will be match-funded by Brighton and Hove City Council and the South Downs National Park Authority.

The news means that the council can now go ahead and develop detailed plans to support its bid for around £4 million in funding to restore Stanmer’s historic landscape and buildings.

The Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund have confirmed that funding of £4 million has been earmarked for the project.

The Stanmer Park and Estate Restoration Project aims to restore the park’s landscape and Grade II listed buildings, protect natural features and safeguard its rare landscapes.

Cllr Pete West
Cllr Pete West

Councillor Pete West, chair of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee, said: “It’s fantastic news.”

“Stanmer Park is extremely well loved and has the potential to become an important gateway, encouraging people from Brighton and Hove to explore and appreciate their local countryside and our Biosphere.

“It’s wonderful that the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund have given us this opportunity to progress our plans and work with the South Downs National Park Authority to ensure the park is restored, enhanced and preserved for future generations.

“Stanmer Park has the potential to become one of the greatest attractions in the city.”

Trevor Beattie, Chief Executive for the South Downs National Park Authority, added: “This great news recognises the national importance of Stanmer Park and Estate. This is the first step in restoring Stanmer to its former glory as a major gateway into the South Downs National Park which is easy to reach by train, bus and safe off-road cycle routes.

“This project is a real opportunity to encourage more people to discover, appreciate and benefit from  a unique historic estate less than five kilometres from the heart of the city of Brighton and Hove.”

Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East, said: “Parks play such an important role in our everyday lives; they boost our health, connect us to nature and are a place to spend time and have fun together. Today’s investment will ensure the historic and community features of Stanmer Park are in better shape so they can be enjoyed by local people long into the future.”

Stanmer Park

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