The future of Wilton's Music Hall has been secured with a Heritage Lottery Fund of £1.85 million.
We reported on 12 June that Wilton's, the world's only surviving Grand Music Hall, had received match funding while awaiting the Heritage Lottery Fund's decision that would make or break the building restoration project that can now proceed.
Wilton's Grade II* listed building can now be fully preserved with currently derelict areas being opened up adding further useable space. The project, which should complete in 2015, will include the provision of a new learning and participation studio, but having a restored building will allow longer-term artistic programming and open up a range of community and commercial opportunities.
Described by Sue Bowers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, as a "truly unique project [that] will enable the rebirth of one of London’s most remarkable theatrical buildings", this work will ensure that the venue that has survived war, strike, riot and slum clearance programmes will have a secure future.
Frances Mayhew, Wilton’s Managing Director acknowledges, "Without the support of major funders like HLF, charities like ours would take years to raise these kinds of monies.
"We’ve been incredibly lucky with the support we’ve received from other sources, like Viridor Credits, Garfield Weston and Aldgate and Allhallows, but this decision means that we can finally take the permanent steps needed to stop this much-loved building from falling down."
The total project cost is £2.6 million. Conservation specialist Tim Ronalds is the architect on the project.