EVESHAM’S historic Almonry has been thrown a lifeline after securing millions of pounds in vital funding for restoration.
The Almonry is now celebrating after being awarded £2,173,500 from the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) which has been made available through the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
The grant bid, successfully awarded through Arts Council England, will help to fund essential repairs and restoration needed in order to save the at risk Grade 1 listed building.
Following previous funding in 2020 and 2023 to facilitate surveys and studies on the current state of the Almonry, this latest funding will allow them to act on findings and carefully restore the historically significant asset.
Restoration works will see a huge amount carried out including the stripping and re-slating of roof tiles, and timber frame repairs.
Plaster infil panels will have the cement removed and replaced with lime plaster, while new heating and lighting will be installed throughout. Gutters and downpipes will also get an overhaul.
Ashleigh Jayes, Almonry manager, said: “This is a the most exciting news. The Almonry is in desperate need of work and this grant is a lifeline for this beautiful building.”
“The work will begin later this year and there is a lot planning and preparation to do in the meantime.”
The Almonry is one of 26 museums across England to be awarded a grant in this round of MEND funding.
Jo Adams, Evesham Town Clerk said: “We’re absolutley delighted with the grant.
“The Almonry team have worked fantastically hard over the last few years and we look forward to the opportunity to return it to its former glory, to be there for future generations.”
The Restoration project is phase one of wider plans to develop and improve the museum.
While the building works are ongoing, a complete refurbishment of the museum including new displays and new interpretation will take place inside.
Museum manager, Ashleigh Jayes has expressed the enormity of the two phase project, which will require continuous fundraising over the next few years.
“We will be looking for help to develop and grow the project. We will be working with our different communities and visitors to look at the stories we tell, how we tell them and how we present them,” she added.
Visit https://www.almonryevesham.org/ for more information.
