In early October the Garden Museum announced that a grant of £294221 had been awarded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to begin ‘Benton End Revived’, the project to restore and renew Benton House and Gardens as a centre for art, horticulture and food.
The initial grant is for the development phase of the project, this will include surveys, investigating the state of the fabric and roof of the building, drawing up architectural and conservation plans and developing activity and business plans. On completion of this phase the Garden Museum will go back to the NLHF for full funding to carry out the restoration and adaptation of Benton End and begin a programme of activities.
The total cost of the project is around £5m with £3 being sought from the NLHF.