The future is looking much brighter for 3 Island heritage sites – including Sandown’s PLUTO pump house – thanks to Government funding of some £125,000.
It has been announced today (Friday) that the Piepline Under The Ocean (PLUTO) Pump House at Brown’s Golf Course in Sandown, which played a key role in the nation’s D-Day efforts, is to receive £50,000 in funding.
Peter Fellows, Lead AONB Officer and Down to The Coast project manager explains:
“Sandown’s PLUTO Pump House played a key role in the nation’s D-Day efforts. The local community have now come together to save this asset for public enjoyment.
“The restoration and conservation of the pump-house and PLUTO machinery will not only enable public access to the building and celebrate its story for the first time but also act as a lever to enhance access and appreciation of the wider historic landscape”.
In addition, Sandown Battery at the top of Lake Hill has been given £25,000 to fund a feasibility study for reviving the important historic monument and its public garden.
Ian Boyd from Arc Consulting, who submitted the project on behalf of the Bay CCT, says:
“Sandown Barracks Battery is a site of national heritage significance and there is strong local desire to see it revived. CRF funding will deliver plans for a sustainable tourism attraction and a landmark public space. Both bids overcame enormous competition to secure funding and drew special commendation from the DCLG.
Article continues below this advertisement “The Bay CCT has set out its objectives: to bring to the service of economic regeneration the cultural and natural heritage of the Bay wherever it is a part of the public realm, the open and shared spaces free for all to use, visitors and local residents alike. The Barracks Battery and the Pluto Line Pump-house projects are perfect examples of this aspiration”.
It’s also good news for Northwood House, which is to receive £50,000 to fund essential structural repairs, restoration and improvements to the Grade II* manor house.
In the South-East region, 16 projects have been awarded almost £700,000.
Communities Minister Brandon Lewis said:
“From Berwick to St Ives, our coastal communities boast some iconic attractions, with millions visiting them each year.
“But some of our best-loved buildings are falling into a state of disrepair – the £3million Coastal Revival Fund aims to restore them to their former glory.
“This funding will now kick-start the restoration work for these 77 projects across the country, so they can continue to be enjoyed by local people and tourists alike for generations to come”.
Ashley Curzon, Head of Economic Development at the IW Council said:
“These projects will help knit together the suite of outstanding coastal heritage assets, built and natural, that belong to the Bay. Together they will help to create visitor and community service, build local business, enhance and expand the visitor economy and improve local community facilities, all driven by unexplored heritage in the public realm”.
Featured image: Editor5807
