The Swadlincote Townscape Heritage Scheme, a project managed by South Derbyshire District Council, has secured financial backing to make the town even more attractive to shoppers and visitors.

This will be achieved through a three-year programme, starting in early 2016, which will see grants made available for heritage-related improvements and repairs to eligible properties.

It will also see the redesign and landscaping of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Garden next to Sharpe’s Pottery Museum in West Street, as well as a focus on getting more people involved in the town’s heritage through an ongoing programme of events, activities and educational programmes.

Guidance, support and new rules will also be drawn up to ensure that the conservation area is well managed and maintained.

Cllr Bob Wheeler, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council, said: “Swadlincote is this beautiful district’s main settlement, the market town of The National Forest, and it has come such a long way in recent years.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have secured this financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund to continue this progress. Many people have worked extremely hard behind the scenes on the bid for funding and it will be exciting to see their plans come to fruition. We will continue to build on Swadlincote’s reputation as a thriving town with much to shout about.”

Jonathan Platt, Head of HLF East Midlands, said: “Swadlincote’s historic buildings provide a powerful visual connection to the town’s Victorian heritage.

"Investing National Lottery money in restoring these buildings will make a real difference for businesses, residents and visitors and will ensure that the town’s heritage is right at the heart of its future regeneration.”

Grants of 67 per cent and 85 per cent of the total project cost will be available for eligible properties in the town, with any applications to go through a selection and assessment process.

Notes to editors

More information about the Swadlincote Townscape Heritage Scheme is available on the South Derbyshire District Council website and on Facebook by searching for ‘Swadlincote Townscape Heritage Scheme.’

Further information

South Derbyshire District Council: Neil Robertson on 01283 595 821 or Richard Shaw on 01283 228 764.