£2m lottery boost for Greenwich World Heritage Site

April Hollier

3 July 2007

The Greenwich Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College are pleased to announce that they have been awarded a £193,000 grant by the HLF. Final plans can now be worked up for a major scheme to revamp the historic Pepys building (home to the Visitor Centre) and surrounding area. If a subsequent application to HLF is successful then a further £1,792,000 will be rolled out to kick-start the works.

The first floor will be extended to create a new gallery for temporary displays, and landscape works will re-establish historic pathways and links to neighbouring buildings. An exhibition to present a history of the whole World Heritage Site will inspire visitors to explore the Painted Hall and Chapel, Greenwich Park, Royal Observatory, Queen’s House, National Maritime Museum and the streets, buildings and attractions around Greenwich.

Sue Bowers, HLF Manager in London comments; ‘The Greenwich World Heritage Site is Britain’s most important link to our maritime past, and this scheme will vastly improve visitors’ understanding of that rich heritage. HLF has awarded grants totalling almost £50 million across the site, which is arguably unrivalled anywhere in the world, including major grants for the Observatory and Cutty Sark.’

Nick Raynsford MP for Greenwich & Woolwich adds; "I welcome this announcement. Greenwich has an incomparable heritage and in the coming years we will welcome even more visitors from all over the world. Making it possible for them and for local residents of all ages to understand and enjoy the rich variety of buildings and their historical significance is an important challenge. This grant will make it possible for the Greenwich Foundation to work up its imaginative plans to deliver greatly improved interpretation, education and visitor facilities in the Pepys Building.”