From reimagining an old clay smoking pipe factory in Glasgow’s Barras market to giving an historic oyster boat in Essex a greener future, find out more about the projects National Lottery players are making possible.

These industrial buildings, vessels and sites are getting a new lease of life at the heart of their communities. And hundreds of new apprenticeship, volunteer and employment opportunities will secure the skills needed to save unique heritage for future generations.

What unites these projects is recognition of the heritage value of our industrial past, the incredible stories to be told and committed people.

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive, The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Since the Heritage Fund was created 30 years ago, we’ve invested over £610 million into industrial, maritime and transport heritage. We’re saving heritage at risk, helping to redevelop the UK’s industrial landscapes for a sustainable future and strengthening connections and opportunities for communities in every part of the UK.

Historic pioneering technologies, innovative buildings and trailblazing transport

The latest round of projects we've awarded funding to includes:

The Pioneering Sailing Trust (£2.3m) will enhance their facilities in Essex to restore and maintain historic vessels and create a new apprenticeship scheme. Jinnie, a hard-working historic oyster skiff, will be restored and equipped with an electric engine to pass on skills in caring for maritime heritage to the next generation.

The University of Kent (£3.5m) is leading work to rejuvenate the Grade II listed Police Section House in the former Royal Dockyard Chatham, Medway into state-of-the-art digital production studios.

Saintfield Community Heritage Park (£903,771) in County Down will create the area’s first free-to-access park and stabilise remnants of the village's thriving 18th and 19th century industrial past including a windmill tower.

The Pipe Factory in Glasgow (£1.6m) will open as a cultural centre in the 100-year-old Barras market, securing the future of Scotland’s last remaining clay smoking pipe factory at the heart of the working-class neighbourhood of Calton.

The Old Town Hall (£4.6m) will reopen as a museum and cultural centre to share the unique culture, rich history and diverse ecology of the Isles of Scilly.

Lighting Up the Lea (£1.6m) in Cody Dock, Newham will spotlight this corner of London’s industrial past by restoring a Thames Ironworks-made historic vessel, constructing a new heritage centre and developing three years of heritage activities and opportunities.

The Cellardyke Trust (£84,856) has been awarded development funding to refine their plans to rebuild a 1937 herring fishing boat. Restoring the Manx Beauty in Anstruther, on the Fife coast in Scotland, will create training opportunities and build a working community asset.

Maintaining the link to our industrial past

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “What unites these projects is recognition of the heritage value of our industrial past, the incredible stories to be told and committed people.

"We’re delighted that National Lottery funding ensures that this heritage will be valued, cared for, and sustained, for everyone, now and in the future.”

We fund industrial heritage projects

We support environmentally sustainable projects that pass on the skills to save heritage to the next generation. Get inspired by exploring more industrial, maritime and transport heritage projects that have benefitted from our funding.