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Sunday, February 16, 2025

Wollaton Hall gets crucial £470,000 fund for repairs

Nottingham City Council has approved a grant of £469,992 from Arts Council England’s Museum, Estate and Repair Fund (MEND) for essential repairs at Wollaton Hall.

The decision, documented under Reference Number 5015, aims to address a backlog of maintenance issues that have plagued the historic building for the past decade.

The Urgency of the Matter

In 2022, Historic England assessed Wollaton Hall and added it to the Heritage at Risk Register. The primary concern was the building’s deteriorating condition due to a lack of wind and watertight features, primarily in the roofs, windows, and masonry. The grant will enable the hall to undergo these much-needed repairs from 2023 to 2026.

The Decision’s Implications

Rachael Evans, Museums Development Manager, stated that the grant would be used for routine maintenance to ensure the building remains wind and watertight. The funds are categorised as revenue, not capital spend, and will be used exclusively for repairs, not building improvements.

The Alternative

The council also considered the ‘do nothing’ option, which would have led to further deterioration of the building. This could result in the closure of galleries and stairwells for safety reasons, putting the building, staff, visitors, and collections at risk.

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Legal and Financial Aspects

The grant comes with terms and conditions that must be adhered to, failing which the funding may be subject to clawback. The procurement of repair services must comply with the Public Contract Regulations 2015 and the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules.

Community Impact

The decision is expected to have a positive impact on Nottingham’s cultural offerings, thereby supporting community and cultural cohesion. The grant will enable Wollaton Hall to become more resilient and sustainable, safeguarding it for future generations.

•  Restoration of Nottinghamshire windmill built in 1823 complete

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