Historic England offers grants to help save heritage sites at risk in Sussex

Grants up to £25,000 will be awarded to those who are responsible for preserving the most significant historic sites in the South East.

The business generated will aid heritage specialists, who have been harshly affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The funding can be used to fix damaged roofs, masonry and windows, to hire scaffolding to prevent structural collapse, or commission surveys necessary to inform urgent repairs in order to re-open to the public as soon as possible.

Heritage Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “Our heritage is of huge national importance and we are absolutely committed to helping support our historic buildings, monuments and landscapes. This new fund, on top of unprecedented government financial support, will help to protect and preserve our heritage during this challenging time.”

The necessity for such grants has been revealed by Historic England through its extensive survey of heritage organisations. Their findings state 74 per cent per cent of respondents in the South East claim they have lost business due to work being postponed.

Professions in surveying and architecture, in addition with construction crafts and trades such as stonemasons and glaziers were most severely impacted.

In the South East 33 per cent of craftspeople and 26 per cent per cent of professionals who participated in the survey said their businesses would fail within three months in the absence of additional support.

In response to the alarming discoveries Duncan Wilson, Historic England’s Chief Executive, said: “Informed by the findings of our survey, this emergency fund aims to generate new work for those professionals and small businesses most vulnerable within the heritage sector as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, at the same time protecting significant historic sites where our support is most needed.

“It is vital that we keep the wheels of the sector turning in order to protect livelihoods and save our heritage, which enriches people’s lives and is a source of national and local pride.”

The deadline for grant applicants is midnight on June 28. Those chosen will then receive confirmation on July 27 and requested to submit a full application by October 31.

For more information about eligibility and how to apply visit the website.