Heart of the Park at The Whitworth

The Whitworth is delighted to announce that it has been successful in receiving funding for its 1-million-pound heritage project ‘Heart of the Park.’ The funding, from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, will make a significant difference to The Whitworth, its heritage and the wider Derbyshire Dales community.

The project will reinvigorate the heritage of The Whitworth, including:

• Reinstating the original Victorian terrace, providing better access onto it and to the iconic views over the park and onto the Peak District

• Create opportunity through our heritage with activity programmes, volunteering schemes, interactive activity, and interpretation.

• Improve and increase the biodiversity of the parkland.

• Engage in planting for the future and conserving our wonderful original heritage features.

• To create a heritage hub

• To create a more welcoming environment through opening up the building, improving access to our heritage and creating a more welcoming space,

• Further reduce our carbon footprint through energy saving innovation.

• Improve vehicular access to the venue.

• Creating employment opportunities

The funding, initially for the development stage of the project, will future proof The Whitworth and its heritage for the generations of tomorrow.

Alan Long, Chair of The Whitworth said, “We thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for their support. This funding will make a real difference to The Whitworth, the people of Derbyshire Dales and the environment. We are really excited about making this happen and working with local people over the next few years. There will be lots of opportunity for people to get involved in the project to ultimately continue the work of Sir Joseph and Lady Louisa Whitworth.”

Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said, “Investing in heritage means investing in the community it belongs to, which is why we are proud to support The Whitworth and 'Heart of the Park', thanks to National Lottery players.”