Marine lake charity awarded £95k to 'enhance legacy'

The money will go towards improving the site's long-term sustainability and accessibility

A charity has said it is "delighted" to be awarded more than £95,000 to preserve a tidal marine lake for future generations.

Founded in 2004, the Marlens are a team of trustees and volunteers who manage Clevedon Marine Lake in North Somerset, which first opened in 1929.

The grant was awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in conjunction with the Fit for the Future project, which helps kickstart initiatives promoting environmental sustainability.

The charity hopes to upgrade the free-to-use pool by improving accessibility and enhancing the lake's "remarkable legacy".

The Marlens hope to champion environmental and financial sustainability, foster volunteer engagement, and grow meaningful connections within the community

Taking to social media to make the announcement, the charity said it is "delighted" at the "fantastic news".

"Clevedon Marine Lake boasts a rich history of community spirit and is vital to Clevedon's seafront heritage and community connection," it said.

"This funding will help Marlens to develop a comprehensive strategy to protect and enhance the lake's remarkable legacy, embracing its unique heritage while simultaneously making it even more accessible and enjoyable for all."

Cllr Mike Solomon from North Somerset Council, who lease the site to Marlens, added: "This funding will safeguard its unique heritage and strengthen its role as a thriving community hub and a key driver of tourism for our region.

"We look forward to seeing this project's positive impact on Clevedon and its residents."

The charity hopes to transform the pool into a thriving community hub

The National Lottery Heritage Fund awards money to projects that sustain and transform the UK's heritage.

When it first opened, Clevedon Marine Lake was equipped with a timber clubhouse, changing-rooms, high diving and springboards, bathing huts and deckchairs.

But when visitor numbers began dwindling in the 1970s and 80s after overseas travel surged in popularity, the funds to maintain the lake dried up.

Following years of neglect, the marine pool once again flourished in 2004 thanks to a community sports partnership, which saw the lake used for sailing, canoeing, open water swimming and model boat sailing.

In 2015, it was given a new lease of life thanks to an £800,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, through which the promenade was restored and the sea wall strengthened.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund said this new round of funding would focus on creating a "resilient and sustainable future" for the site and "building community inclusion and participation in its heritage.”

Stuart McLeod, director of England, London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "Heritage has a huge role to play in instilling pride in communities and boosting local economies, and this project is a fantastic example of achieving those aims."