£14 million lottery bid to revamp Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Gardens knocked back
A £14 million bid to transform Brighton’s world-famous royal estate has been knocked back.
Brighton and Hove City Council and Brighton Dome and Festival joined forces in asking for the funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to revamp the royal Pavilion Estate.
At the time, it was claimed the money was needed to kickstart work to preserve the complex, which contains eight listed buildings and used to be home of George IV, for future generations.
But, after being told the bad news yesterday (Tuesday May 27), bosses admitted they were disappointed.
However, they have vowed to look again at the plans and resubmit another bid, potentially in November.
Andrew Comben, of Brighton Dome and Festival, said: “Our ambition is to transform and revitalise the Royal Pavilion Estate into a world class heritage site at the heart of Brighton and Hove.
“I am of course disappointed that we have not been successful this time round in bidding for Heritage Lottery funding but we are very encouraged by the feedback given to us by HLF Trustees and delighted they are so supportive of our vision.
“We will continue to work with HLF and all our partners on developing plans for a sustainable future for the Royal Pavilion Estate.”
Janita Bagshawe, director of the Royal Pavilion and Museums, said: “It is the symbol of the city and deserves to be a place that everyone can experience and enjoy.”
The bid was drawn up last year and described how the estate, which was developed by the Price Regent in the early 19th century had become a a focal point for leisure, culture, learning and enjoyment for Brighton’s residents.
Despite hundreds of thousands of people visiting the area and its venues – which include the Royal Pavilion and Brighton dome Concert Hall-, bosses said without funding then some of the listed buildings may have to close due to lack of investment.
However, the bid became overshadowed over fears it would result in the closure of the Pavilion Gardens cafe, which the Sewell family have run since the 1930s.
The attractions that received HLF funding were: Nottingham Castle; Canterbury Cathedral; Plymouth History Centre; Blackpool Museum; Beamish: The North of England’s Open Air Museum; and Bath Abbey.
