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Abbey receives £3m grant for stable restoration

Delapre Abbey A dusty yard with a red-brick stable building with green doors in the backdrop.Delapre Abbey
The new stables are expected to create 42 full-time jobs on site

An historic abbey has been given more than £3m worth of funding to restore and repurpose its 19th Century stables.

The Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust plans to convert its stables in Northampton into a multi-purpose space for wellbeing, retail and community events.

The funding was granted to the venue by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Steve Edmonds, chair of trustees at Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust, said: "This investment not only helps to secure the long-term future of Delapre Abbey but also enables us to expand our offerings and enhance accessibility, allowing us to welcome more individuals and communities than ever before."

James Grant/BBC A grand looking building with arches and bay windowsJames Grant/BBC
The project is expected to be completed by the spring of 2026

The Abbey said the completed redevelopment will create 42 full-time jobs and contribute an estimated £1.57m to the local economy annually.

The project will feature sustainable technologies such as heat pumps and rainwater harvesting systems.

Councillor Adam Brown, leader of West Northamptonshire Council, praised the initiative: "The restoration of Delapre Abbey Stables is a fantastic initiative that will enable more people to engage with Delapre Abbey.

"As well as bringing significant wellbeing, cultural and economic benefits to our area."

'Benefit local people'

Robyn Llewellyn, director of England, Midlands and East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "The Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust's plans will involve and benefit local people, from creating jobs to helping secure a sustainable future for the site and connecting people with natural heritage.

"It's encouraging to see local interest in this project build."

To support funding, the trust has also launched the "Cobble for a Cause" initiative in an attempt to raise a further £50,000.

The campaign will get community members to sponsor engraved cobblestones for pathways around the Abbey.

The project is expected to start in January next year, with full restoration commencing in the spring before completion by spring 2026.

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