Member Article

Lincoln’s International Bomber Command Centre secures funding from HSBC to develop site

The International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln has secured a finance package from HSBC to develop its Canwick Hill site, which provides one of the most comprehensive records of Bomber Command in the world.

The funding from HSBC has added to the private donations received by the International Bomber Command Centre, which opened in April 2018, and is supporting the £1.5 million shortfall in funding needed for the completion of the project. It will also help support the ongoing maintenance of the centre and the creation of additional parking.

It is the first centre, nationally and internationally, to recognise and provide a complete history of the service of the Command, which has deeps roots in Lincolnshire.

Nicky Barr, Chief Executive of the International Bomber Command Centre, commented: “We’re delighted to partner with HSBC and the support of our Relationship Manager, Ian Green, has meant we can continue to operate and push forward our charitable aims. This will support the development of our education and outreach programmes ensuring the legacy of Bomber Command is one of education.”

Steve Evans, HSBC’s Area Director for Business Banking in Lincolnshire, said: “The International Bomber Command Centre provides much-deserved recognition for the heroic service and support of Bomber Command, and highlights Lincoln’s important role in the Command’s history.

“We’re proud to be supporting this world-class facility with its development plans. HSBC is committed to helping charities across the East Midlands realise their ambitions and this project is no exception.”

Funding for the project was raised by private donations, as well as a range of grant funding bodies including the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Chancellor’s LIBOR Fund, Biffa Award, Wren FCC Environment, North Kesteven District Council, Garfield Weston and the Foyle Foundation.

Included on the site is the Chadwick Centre, complete with a fully interactive and immersive exhibition, education space and a cafe, the Memorial Spire, the International and Lincolnshire Peace Gardens and the Bomber Command Digital Archive. The iconic Memorial Spire is the UK’s tallest war memorial. It is surrounded by the names of 57,861 individuals who lost their life with Bomber Command during World War II.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ari Angelides .