Grade II listed building secures £4.6m in National Lottery funding

Stricklandgate House in Kendal has secured more than £4.6 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support a £5.6 million conservation and improvement project.

The funding will go towards the Stricklandgate House 4 Sustainable Heritage (SGH4SH) scheme, which aims to conserve and enhance the heritage value of the building while improving services for the charity sector and expanding opportunities for wider community use.

John Leigh and Margaret Belk, joint chairs of the board of trustees, said: “To say we are absolutely delighted to receive this funding is an understatement!

“We can now progress plans, three years in the making to sustain the heritage of Stricklandgate House so that it can continue supporting our local charities and communities for years to come.

“Plans for a community space and Community Lounge in the heart of Kendal will now become a reality and provide a friendly, welcome and inclusive space for everyone from the individual to local community groups looking for a relaxed space to run activities.”

Stricklandgate House, a Grade II listed Georgian building, has served as a centre for the charitable sector since 1993 under the stewardship of the Stricklandgate House Trust.

The project will conserve and enhance the Georgian building, improve accessibility, and create a Community Hub and Community Lounge (Image: The National Lottery Heritage Fund )

It is home to 18 organisations and used by more than 50 others, supporting more than 13,000 people every year.

The building, now 250 years old, has undergone numerous alterations and extensions over time and is showing signs of wear and tear.

The SGH4SH project will focus on conserving the historic building, improving accessibility and environmental sustainability, and creating new community facilities.

Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Stricklandgate House boasts a fascinating history featuring stories of William Wordsworth and Robert Southey, and more recently it has grown to be a stalwart for the communities of Kendal.

“At The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are thrilled to be able to play a role in supporting Stricklandgate House Trust to build on its important heritage and to continue to provide invaluable support for the communities of Kendal.”

Plans include the creation of a Community Hub and Community Lounge, improved office and meeting spaces, and a programme of community and heritage activities in partnership with volunteers, local groups, and the wider community.

The project is also supported by Westmorland and Furness Council, Kendal Town Council, The Frieda Scott Trust, Cumbria Community Foundation, The Garfield Weston Foundation, Kendal Rotary Club, The Hadfield Trust, and personal donations from local families and Maude family descendants.

Work will also include further research into the building’s rich history and its service to Kendal over the centuries.

Members of the public and community groups are encouraged to get involved with the project.

Updates and information on how to participate can be found at stricklandgate-house.org.uk or through Stricklandgate House’s social media channels.