A MAJOR cash injection to breathe new life into two of Worcester’s iconic landmarks has been revealed by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
More than £1million has been pledged to Worcester Cathedral in a bid to create a centre for learning, heritage and arts while Churches Conservation Trust volunteers dreams of transforming St Swithun’s Church into a cultural venue have been given the green light.
Cash has been earmarked for a project to open up the 12th century undercroft at Worcester Cathedral to the public for the first time.
A former monastic cellar, the space will be transformed into a unique new learning centre with teaching rooms, storage and administration space, reception area and a lift.
The three year project aims to provide a permanent venue for the Cathedral’s award-winning education programme, reaching more people across Worcestershire and beyond.
It would also enable conservation and research on the internationally significant ‘Christ in Majesty’ 13th century stone carving.
Development funding of £168,000 has been awarded to the Cathedral by HLF to progress the project in order to apply for a full grant of just over £1million at a later date.
The Very Rev Dr Peter Atkinson, Dean of Worcester Cathedral said: “We are delighted to receive this initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and send our warmest thanks to National Lottery players and everyone else involved.”
Celebrations are being held at the Churches Conservation Trust who have received £1.64million National Lottery to transform St Swithun’s into an inspirational sensory space and cultural venue.
Located in the heart of Worcester, the Grade I listed church will install ground-breaking new equipment, which will creatively use sound and art to inspire a greater connection to heritage and history.
Sound and Art @ St Swithun’s (SASS) will enable the splendid Georgian architecture to be repaired and conserved and transform the building into a cutting edge space for new innovative forms of engagement.
The project, which was previously awarded HLF development funding of £196,100, will also run events such as night-time tours to training placements, alongside the works.
Sarah Robinson, Acting Chief Executive and Director of Conservation at CCT, said: “This grant, coupled with generous matching donations collected during our annual appeal, will enable us to save St Swithun’s and create a vibrant, sustainable future for the building and the community.”
Vanessa Harbar, Head of HLF West Midlands, said: “This is an important investment that will help to protect and enhance Worcester’s rich heritage for years to come.
