We've been awarded £4.6 million by the National Lottery Heritage Fund!
Stricklandgate House Trust been awarded £4,656,036 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver a circa £5.5 million pound project, Stricklandgate House 4 Sustainable Heritage (SGH4SH): Where heritage meets the day-to-day.
The project SGH4SH will enable the Trust to conserve and celebrate the heritage of Stricklandgate House, securing its future and enhancing its services to the charity sector and increasing wider community use. We will welcome more people to Stricklandgate House.
Stricklandgate House is a Grade II Listed building and outstanding example of Georgian architecture with many of its original features remaining intact. Beyond its architectural value, through the ages Stricklandgate House has had a rich and varied history and a significant influence on the town. It is a back story which will be told throughout the building.
Since 1993 it has been a centre for the Charitable Sector in the stewardship of Stricklandgate House Trust. Home to 18 local organisations, used by 50 plus more local organisations and supporting over 13,000 people a year, Stricklandgate House supports the welfare and care needs of local people as well as offering space for community facing activities.
The many, often unsympathetic alterations and extensions changes over the years, the age of the building at 250 years and general wear and tear due to its busy job supporting Kendal, now means it needs repair and renewal, ensuring it is here for generations to come.
The project will conserve and enhance the Georgian building, improve accessibility and environmental sustainability throughout, and create a Community Hub and Community Lounge, whilst enhancing the current office and community meeting spaces.
John Leigh and Margaret Belk, joint Chairs of the Board of Trustees say: “To say we are absolutely delighted to receive this funding is an understatement! We can now progress plans, three years in the making to sustain the heritage of Stricklandgate House so that it can continue supporting our local charities and communities for years to come. Plans for a community s
pace and Community Lounge in the heart of Kendal will now become a reality and provide friendly, welcome and inclusive space for everyone from the individual to local community groups looking for a relaxed space to run activities.”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Stricklandgate House boasts a fascinating history featuring stories of William Wordsworth and Robert Southey, and more recently it has grown to be a stalwart for the communities of Kendal.
“At The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are thrilled to be able to play a role in supporting Stricklandgate House Trust to build on its important heritage and to continue to provide invaluable support for the communities of Kendal.”
The National Lottery supported project will also enable a programme of community and heritage activities in partnership with volunteers, local groups and the wider community and further research into it fascinating history and service to Kendal.
The project is made possible by National Lottery players, and supported by Westmorland and Furness Council, Kendal Town Council, The Frieda Scott Trust, Cumbria Community Foundation, The Garfield Weston Foundation, Kendal Rotary Club, The Hadfield Trust and significant personal donations from local families and Maude family descendants.