Delapre Abbey secures £3m grant for 19th-century stable renovation

A historic abbey has been awarded over £3m in funding to facilitate the restoration and repurposing of its 19th-century stables. The Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust intends to convert these stables, situated in Northampton, into a versatile space for wellbeing activities, retail, and community gatherings. The National Lottery Heritage Fund provided this financial support to the venue. Steve Edmonds, chair of trustees at Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust, stated: “This investment not only helps to secure the long-term future of Delapre Abbey but also enables us to expand our offerings and enhance accessibility, allowing us to welcome more individuals and communities than ever before.” The Abbey indicated that the completed redevelopment is expected to generate 42 full-time jobs and contribute an estimated £1.57m to the local economy annually. The project will incorporate sustainable technologies, including heat pumps and rainwater harvesting systems. Councillor Adam Brown, leader of West Northamptonshire Council, commended the initiative: “The restoration of Delapre Abbey Stables is a fantastic initiative that will enable more people to engage with Delapre Abbey. “As well as bringing significant wellbeing, cultural and economic benefits to our area.” Robyn Llewellyn, director of England, Midlands and East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, commented: “The Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust’s plans will involve and benefit local people, from creating jobs to helping secure a sustainable future for the site and connecting people with natural heritage. “It’s encouraging to see local interest in this project build.” To supplement the primary funding, the trust has also launched the “Cobble for a Cause” initiative, aiming to raise an additional £50,000. This campaign will allow community members to sponsor engraved cobblestones for pathways around the Abbey. The project is anticipated to commence in January next year, with comprehensive restoration work beginning in the spring and completion projected by spring 2026. For updates on Northamptonshire news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.