Council to share multimillion-pound heritage fund

Members of Dudley Council, along with Liz Bates, Midlands & East Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, were delighted with the news

Dudley has been selected to benefit from a multimillion-pound investment fund to help celebrate its heritage.

One of six new areas to become part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund scheme, the borough will be able to apply for a share of £200m.

Heritage Places aims to support communities during challenging times, helping to "unlock the potential of the heritage on their doorstep", the organisation said.

Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure at Dudley Council, said it was "absolutely delighted" and funding would be used to "to celebrate, protect and promote the incredible heritage of our towns and green spaces".

Dudley will join nine other areas announced in 2023 – including Stoke-on-Trent and Leicester in the Midlands – as part of the Heritage Fund's commitment to invest £200m in up to 20 areas across the UK.

Liz Bates, director of England, Midlands and East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said they wanted to support the council in realising the potential for the past to be part of the area's future.

"There is real momentum in Dudley borough, and this new long-term approach builds on our recent legacy of investing in Dudley's heritage," she said.

"From conserving historic town centre features to supporting iconic visitor attractions, money raised by National Lottery players makes a difference in Dudley, and as a Heritage Place this work will increase."

In March, Dudley was also announced as one of six areas in the West Midlands to each get £20m in government funding over the next 10 years towards regeneration and supporting communities.

'Pipeline of exciting projects'

Various projects will be looked at to apply for funding, with The Friends of Wrens Nest Nature Reserve hoping to be able to benefit.

Elaine Bouckley, who volunteers with the group said: "We are delighted that Dudley is receiving this recognition, of which Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve is particularly worthy as the birthplace of Abraham Darby, who played such an important role in the Industrial Revolution.

"In addition to being one of the country's most notable geological locations, Dudley features significant limestone quarrying remains and a diversity of rare flora and fauna.

"The possibilities that this recognition will bring will hopefully enable an even wider audience to protect and celebrate our heritage."

Phipps added that the money would support many projects.

"This opportunity will enable the delivery of a pipeline of exciting projects and place-based investment within our communities, building on the investment already made by the Heritage Fund over the years across the borough."

Up to £4m of the fund has been used so far, including in Stoke-on-Trent, where the city council is developing a Heritage Prospectus of projects, and working with the University of Staffordshire on heritage skills development.

In addition, a 10-year Heritage Strategy has also been created in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon in Northern Ireland, with the borough council consulting local communities.