Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust (DAPT) has been awarded a grant of £8,000 from the Architectural Heritage Fund towards the cost of developing a new master plan to help assess existing opportunities across the historic site, support community consultation and develop recommendations for the future.
Alongside the dilapidated 19th century stable block, there are a number of opportunities to build upon the offer that currently exists and engages the people of Northampton and further afield. The funding will enable the Trust to realise the potential of the site through the development of a master plan. This will ensure that the final offer protects and celebrates the estate’s heritage, creates a sustainable future for the Abbey, and meets the needs and demands of the community.
DAPT will also explore the role that it could play in understanding and protecting the town’s historic buildings and cultural assets more widely.
Richard Clinton, Chief Executive of Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, said:
“We are thankful to the Architectural Heritage Fund for this grant which enables us to progress with the next chapter in the development of the site. Through the creation of a Master Plan, we can explore the opportunities that exist and confidently progress with plans that will have a lasting impact on the future of the Abbey and town.
“At the heart of everything we do is the community and we look forward to shaping these plans with them next year.”
This latest funding follows on from a grant of £19,250 earlier in the year from the Architectural Heritage Fund’s £1million Cultural Recovery Fund programme to support charities occupying historic buildings affected by the pandemic. The funding enabled work to commence on protecting the heritage of the 19th century stables through the development of feasibility plan in response to the impacts and demands created from the pandemic.
Plans for curation of the site will now take place and ensure that the final offer supports the Trust’s wellbeing and ecology programmes, complements the existing visitor attraction, supports a thriving visitor economy, creates jobs, and most importantly supports the needs of the community.
Despite the challenges caused by Covid-19, Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust has worked hard over the past 18 months to support the local community, gifting 7500 local families an Annual Pass for 2021/22. A new business plan sees the Trust focussing on heritage and culture, wellbeing and the environment, and animating unloved spaces, with the aim to broaden reach, put communities first, and inspire and excite through ambitious programmes and activity.
Photo: Profound Image UK
