The project aims to make Bridge Cottage, a Grade II listed building, into a usable and sustainable building by addressing its current physical shortcomings.

Once the work is completed it will create an historic meeting place available to the whole community for present and future generations to enjoy. The vision of UDPS is to use a range of heritage activities and means of interpretation to enable all sectors of the growing town of Uckfield to understand and appreciate their heritage. These will include educational programmes at all levels, hands on heritage activities for all ages, local history and craft events, and the creation of a heritage hub for historical research.

Work is planned to start this autumn, with a planned opening in late 2015.

The project will carry out essential renovation work to the fabric of the building allowing for a usable space for heritage activities. Key periods of Bridge Cottage’s history such as the late medieval, Tudor and Victorian will be used in an exciting activity plan that will inspire the local community to participate in learning activities, bringing British history and heritage from 15th century onwards to life. The works will also create a space that can be used by local groups as a new and vibrant meeting place.

Bridge Cottage is a central feature in the town and is an early 15th-century timber-framed building, built circa 1436, and is a single-aisled Wealden hall house of much larger than average size. Although the identity of the original owner is not currently confirmed, we do know that the occupier in 1570 was Thomas Maunser and that the building passed to Arthur Langworth and Edward Orwell, who were officials of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Mick Harker, Chairman of the Bridge Cottage Heritage Group says: “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this grant. Bridge Cottage is a central feature of the town but as a community we have not been able to be use it to its full potential owing to the essential works the building needs. It is great to know that we are a step closer to putting this right and preserving it for future generations.”

Stuart McLeod, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund South East England, said:: "We are delighted to support this project that not only restores an important historical building but also creates a community space, learning opportunities and a base from which the area's heritage can be promoted in the future".

Notes to editors

The Uckfield and District Preservation Society (UDPS) was founded in 1968 to encourage interest in the local history and environment of the parishes around Uckfield in East Sussex. The society, which is an independent charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee offers, for a small annual subscription, a membership that is open to all who share its stated aims.

Further information

Mick Harker, Chairman Bridge Cottage Committee, on 01825 765 684, email: info@udps.co.uk.

HLF press office: Laura Bates on 020 7591 6027, email: lbates@hlf.org.uk.