Skelton-in-Cleveland High Street, Newcastle’s City Pools Buildings, Morpeth railway station and Thornaby Town Hall have all received a share of the funding, made possible by National Lottery players.

Ivor Crowther, Head of HLF North East, said: "We are delighted to be able to support all of these projects which will benefit people, boost local economies and protect our region’s heritage. Many of these buildings are loved because of their distinctive architecture or for the role they once played in their communities. I look forward to seeing these buildings develop to once again be a focal point in community life.

“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, these historic buildings will join more than 900 across the North East that have been opened up for communities and secured for future generations to enjoy.”

Skelton High Street – £952,200

The project aims to restore the character and architectural features of the Victorian area of Skelton High Street. Nearly 30 properties, many of them in commercial use, are expected to sign up to the scheme which will reinstate historic shopfronts, sash windows and doors and carry out other improvements to the historic fabric. Improvements to the public realm will include paving, street furniture, site landscaping and tree planting.

Skelton’s history dates to the Norman Conquest and a major archaeological investigation of a key medieval site will take place. This will be supported by an oral history project which will record the history of the area and local schoolchildren will create a mosaic mural depicting ancient Skelton.

The project is led by Skelton Villages Civic Pride, a volunteer-led community group, in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Tees Valley Rural Community Council.

Newcastle’s City Pools Buildings – £961,400

Closed in 2013, the popular Grade II listed City Pools Buildings are set to be reopened by charity Fusion Lifestyle as a community health and fitness facility.

One of the pool halls will be brought back into full use and the Turkish baths will be refurbished and reopened. The second pool hall will be converted into a fitness facility, a new café will be created and the City Hall building will remain a concert and performance venue.

The project will also improve access to the building, carry out vital external repairs and create an exhibition and digital archive to share the story of the City Pools.

As well as a long-term future for the buildings, the plans will provide employment and training opportunities and boost the local economy.

Fusion Lifestyle has received initial support and development funding of £42,000 to progress the plans and apply for the full grant at a later date.

Morpeth railway station – £797,000

Designed by architect Benjamin Green, Morpeth railway station is Grade II listed but parts of the building have stood empty for a decade.

Now, the Greater Morpeth Development Trust will transform the gateway to Morpeth and North Northumberland and bring it back to life for the community.

The building will be restored and original features, including its decorative chimneys and portico entrance, will be reinstated. The station facilities will be improved and a café will serve passengers and the public.

Currently unused space will become the home of small and start-up businesses, creating employment opportunities and a sustainable future for the station.

Thornaby Town Hall – £863,100

The town hall’s distinctive clock tower and elaborate Renaissance-style features provide a rare glimpse into Thornaby’s Victorian past, but the building now stands mostly vacant.

Thornaby Town Council has now set out to change that and transform the building into a key space for volunteers, businesses, events and exhibitions and community groups. The building will also house the town’s archives and allow currently disparate collections to be brought together.

Access to the building will be improved including ramped entranceways and a lift. Exterior and interior repairs will secure the future of the clock tower, balconies and balustrades, decorative ceilings and other historic features.

Further information

Rebecca Lamm, HLF press office, on tel: 020 7591 6027 or via email: Rebecca.Lamm@hlf.org.uk