Coldharbour Mill has received £230,169 from The Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage which is part of the £1.57 billion rescue package announced by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The aim of the fund is to safeguard cultural and heritage organisations across the UK from the economic impact of COVID-19 and the funding will help support the ongoing costs of maintaining Coldharbour Mills nationally significant heritage site.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown began Coldharbour Mill Trust has been working hard to keep up with maintenance of the heritage buildings, re-introduce its team of volunteers and start progressing projects put on hold by the pandemic. Although it has been raising funds through its emergency appeal, it has been in dire need of extra support to guarantee that the site is protected for future generations to enjoy.

Martin Halse, Chief Executive of Coldharbour Mill said: “Thanks to the Culture Recovery Fund we will be able to make the dramatic changes needed to re-open the estate, factory and museum next season as well as support the ongoing projects which are vital to the success of Coldharbour Mill going forward. The Board of Trustees and I are extremely grateful for this lifeline in a continually challenging situation and these funds will be pivotal in continuing to sustain Coldharbour Mill.”

Despite reducing costs where possible and utilising government schemes such as furlough, Coldharbour Mill were still facing a losses in visitor income for this season on top of the additional costs required to make the site Covid Compliant. This funding will allow Coldharbour Mill to continue to provide volunteering opportunities to over 100 volunteers as well as educational experiences for schools and visitors locally, nationally and internationally.