The project aims to deliver a complete regeneration of the historic centre of Diss. At its heart is the restoration of the town’s Grade II listed Corn Hall – thought to be the UK’s last ‘working’ Corn Hall and now becoming one of Norfolk’s premier arts and music destinations. In addition, the project will re-landscape the ‘Heritage Triangle’ shopping area of Diss; introduce a new boardwalk around part of the town’s Mere; create a new public garden; and interpret the history of Diss’ commercial centre for all to enjoy.

Sheila King, Project Manager for The Diss Heritage Partnership, commented: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform Diss and securing this grant from the HLF is a massive vote of confidence in the project. It’s been a real team effort to get where we are, but we are not quite over the finishing line yet. We need another £40,000 to hit our target of raising £100,000 locally and now is a great time for local businesses and residents who would like to get involved to donate. All being well we will start work in mid-2015 and have the project completed by the summer of 2016.”

Keith Kiddie, Mayor of Diss, added: “The poet John Betjeman once said of Diss, ‘Diss doesn’t show itself at once...you have to go and find its treasures.’ The project will show what a great heritage the town has in its buildings and its stories. But the HLF grant isn’t just great news for preserving and enhancing the historic heart of Diss, it’s also great news for the whole of Diss and will provide a major economic boost to the area as more people choose to visit and shop in this town and discover our ‘treasures’. My congratulations to everyone in the team who worked so hard to put the winning bid together.”

John Fuller, Leader of South Norfolk Council, said: “South Norfolk Council has been right behind this project which will provide not just a great new heritage and cultural hub for Diss, but for the whole of South Norfolk. Our significant contribution has come from the extra council tax paid by new homes built in the district and illustrates how all residents benefit in the proceeds of this growth to maximise the quality of life in our market towns and villages.”

Jenny Chamberlin, County Councillor for Diss, has been involved with the project since its inception and together with the NCC Highways Team, worked to secure the funding necessary to provide the associated streetscape enhancements for the Heritage Triangle.

Jenny said: “Although the major structural work will be to repair and renovate the Corn Hall to give not just Diss, but the surrounding communities, a premier cultural centre, the additional pedestrian enhancements will put Diss back at the top of local tourist destinations. Shops and businesses in Diss are already feeling confident of the economic benefit this exciting project will generate both within the Heritage Triangle and in the surrounding area.”

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of HLF, East of England, said: “We are delighted to help fund this imaginatively-conceived project that will re-invigorate what John Betjeman called ‘the perfect English market town’. Not only will important buildings be restored and vibrant new uses supported; but the natural environment will be enhanced and linked with the civic and commercial heart of the town.”

For details on how to donate to the Heritage Triangle, individuals and businesses can do so online at the Heritage Triangle website.

Further information

David Case, Corn Hall Trust, tel: 01379 66887.

Deborah Sarson, Town Clerk at Diss Town Council, tel: 01379 643848.