Ushaw awarded £400,000 to support a transformative vision

Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a total of £400,000 in funding to support a transformative vision for the site. The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £250,000 and Historic England has granted £150,000 to support the next phase of development at this nationally significant heritage site.

The funding will underpin “Unlocking Ushaw: Heritage, Community and the Spirit of Emancipation” a major project designed to secure the long-term future of Ushaw as a heritage destination, conserve its architecturally and historically significant assets, and enhance the visitor experience. Building on ten years of development, this project marks a strategic shift from experimental growth to a long-term, sustainable plan that will guide Ushaw over the next decade.

“These grants from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England are a powerful vote of confidence in Ushaw’s journey to date and in our ambitions for the future,” said Lucy Jenkins, Co-CEO at Ushaw. “Unlocking Ushaw builds on our first decade as a heritage visitor attraction, enabling us to care for this extraordinary place while opening it up more fully to communities, with a programme of activities underpinned by values of care, collaboration and social impact. This investment allows us to plan for long-term sustainability, ensuring Ushaw remains a living, relevant heritage site for generations to come.”

The project focuses on three key strands:

1. Estate Masterplanning:Unlocking the potential of Ushaw’s 15 listed buildings and 550 acres of gardens, grounds and landscapes through a comprehensive conservation and reuse strategy.
2. Community Engagement:Involving residents, stakeholders and visitors in shaping Ushaw’s future, ensuring its heritage is accessible, inclusive and valued by all.
3. Audience Development:Understanding and expanding Ushaw’s audience to increase engagement and resilience, with a focus on regional and inbound tourism.

Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said, “We’re delighted to support the Unlocking Ushaw project to work towards a strong and resilient future for the site and establish it as a major visitor attraction, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. It is fantastic news that Ushaw are now one step closer to revitalising the site and putting its local communities of at the heart of their plans to shape the future of this fascinating site.”

These interlinked initiatives will culminate in 2029/2030, coinciding with the commemoration of 200 years of Catholic Emancipation, when Ushaw will unveil its long-term vision informed by this extensive masterplanning and community consultation work.

Lianna Francis-Kelly, Historic England’s Partnerships Team Leader, North East Regions, said: “Ushaw has a special place in the history of the Roman Catholic Church in England, and the vast complex includes architectural gems by leading architects of the Gothic Revival.

“We’re delighted to be supporting the Unlocking Ushaw project, which will engage local people in identifying the potential of under-used and at-risk parts of the estate, increasing the site’s value as both a community asset and a unique visitor attraction for the North East.”