Heritage organisations and iconic buildings across the South West have been handed a lifeline as the Government awards the first tranche of cash in its £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.

The Bodmin and Wenford Railway and Bodmin Jail are two of the historic sites and projects which will be aided to stay open and be sustained through the coronavirus pandemic.

Amongst the other places to receive significant funding are Truro Cathedral, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and Morwellham Quay.

The money, which comes from Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will support repairs and maintenance, support jobs, and in the long run, boost wellbeing and the economy, says Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden.

“As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past,” he said.

“This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounceback post covid.”

Duncan Wilson, Historic England’s Chief Executive said: 

 “It is heartening to see grants, both large and small, from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund helping heritage sites and organisations across the country which have been hit hard by the effects of Covid-19. These grants range from giving skilled craft workers the chance to keep their trades alive to helping heritage organisations pay the bills, and to kick-starting repair works at our best-loved historic sites.”

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund said:

“It is absolutely right that investing in heritage should be a priority during this crisis and this support by Government is crucial.  Heritage creates jobs and economic prosperity, is a major driver for tourism and makes our towns, cities, and rural areas better places to live.  All of this is so important for our wellbeing and will be particularly vital when we start to emerge from this incredibly difficult time.” 

Among the funding awards announced today are:

The Lost Gardens of Heligan - £606,400

Morwellham Quay - £400,000

Bodmin and Wenford Railway - £260,000

Bodmin Jail Museum - £202,000

Truro Cathedral - £146,900