Heritage sites and independent cinemas set for regeneration boost with £18m funding

Heritage sites and independent cinemas across the country are set to receive multi-million pound government support.

Projects at 22 heritage organisations will receive £13.5m in targeted grants allocated by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restart regeneration and maintenance projects that were planned before the pandemic.

In addition, 33 cinemas across England will benefit from £5m awarded by the BFI as the final applications for independent cinemas are processed ahead of the second round of the Culture Recovery Fund.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden commented: “From restoring Georgian lidos and Roman baths to saving local screens and synagogues, our Culture Recovery Fund is helping to save the places people can’t wait to get back to, when it is safe to do so.

“All over the country, this funding is protecting the venues that have shaped our history and make us proud of our communities, whilst safeguarding the livelihoods of the people that work in them.”

Ben Roberts, chief executive at BFI, added: “Across the country, local independent cinemas are lifelines for communities and often the only form of culture and entertainment.

“As well as bringing people together to enjoy the magic of the big screen, local cinemas are hubs for educational and film activities and provide thousands of jobs.

“The pandemic has made clear just how important local communities are and the support of the Culture Recovery Fund means that many cinemas will be able to reopen and play a vital role in local economies and regeneration.”

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