Bridge Cottage wins Heritage Lottery Fund Support

The Uckfield & District Preservation Society (UDPS) has received initial support* from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the Bridge Cottage Heritage Centre restoration project. The project aims to refurbish and reconfigure this iconic, timber framed building.  Once completed the building will look much like it did in the 1600s however it will benefit from the inclusion of discreet modern upgrades.  The project will take about 12 months to complete but will enable the building to host a wide range of community heritage activities right in th ecentre of the town of Uckfield.

Development funding of £23,300 has also been awarded to help UDPS progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.

The project aims to make Bridge Cottage a usable and sustainable building that can be used as a centre for community heritage activities.  These activities will include those that utilise the Societies collection of historic local maps, pictures and documents as well as exhibitions, local history talks, small concerts and fairs.  It will be an historic meeting place that will allow the growing population of Uckfield to appreciate their local heritage.

Much of the refurbishment work will need to be undertaken by experts and the development stage funding will help to finalise what needs to be done and the associated costs.  Once the main refurbishment work is completed, the Heritage Centre will need a range of volunteers to help deliver a range of heritage activities.

Mick Harker, chairman oftheBridge Cottage committee said “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support.  Bridge Cottage is a wonderful building right in the centre of the town and our plans will enable it to play an important heritage role in the town for the next few hundred years.”

*A first-round pass.

Heritage Grants* applications are assessed in two rounds.  A first-round pass is given when HLF has endorsed outline proposals and earmarked funding. A first-round pass may also include an immediate award to fund the development of the project. Detailed proposals are then considered by HLF at second-round and as long as plans have progressed satisfactorily and according to the original proposal, an award for the project is confirmed.