BAC renovation passes first stage for Lottery Fund backing (From Wandsworth Guardian)

BAC renovation passes first stage for Lottery Fund backing

10:00am Friday 25th June 2010 in News By Chris Madden

A twenty-first century arts hub in Battersea is a step closer to reality after a scheme to renovate the iconic old Town Hall passed the first application stage.

Plans will now be drawn up for the building, which is now Battersea Arts Centre (BAC), following permission from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

BAC have a new 125 year lease on the building and received £171,300 to further their plans.

Artistic directors David Jubb and David Micklem said: “Support from the Heritage Lottery Fund is critical in enabling BAC to achieve its ambitions.”

BAC now have two years to submit their detailed plans and apply for the £2,444,300 of fund support required.

They aim to open the building to diverse national and international communities by building new access and facilities.

An open-to-the-public digital archive, and new installations for schools and local communities will help audiences engage with the building's history.

The grant will allow for vital repairs to the building and a partial restoration of the organ.

Since 1893 the Town Hall has served as a political and cultural hub, from feminist movements to BAC's production of 1984.

The Fund allocates £44 billion nationwide to keep heritage accessible to future generations.

For more information visit hlf.org.uk