UK commits £41m to restore 74 worship centres, heritage buildings

The UK government has allocated over £41 million to restore 74 historic buildings across England, including churches, synagogues, town halls, market halls, and castles. The funding, provided through the Places of Worship Renewal Fund and the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, is part of the government's £1.5 billion Arts Everywhere Fund.

The investment aims to support buildings requiring repairs and conservation work, with 51 places of worship receiving over £18 million and 20 projects receiving nearly £13 million. The remaining £10 million will support major restoration projects at three national heritage sites: Dover Castle, Brodsworth Hall in Doncaster, and Osborne, Queen Victoria's former family residence on the Isle of Wight.

The announcement follows a visit by the Heritage Minister to Margate and Ramsgate, where funding is supporting the restoration of the Grade II listed Margate Museum and Old Town Hall, as well as urgent repairs to the Church of St George in Ramsgate.

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