Background:
In 2002, the Trust sought assistance from the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) who advised on the steps needed to take to acquire the building and funds to restore it.
After becoming a Building Preservation Trust, the team commissioned Purcell Miller Tritton to conduct a feasibility study which was funded by public donations and an Awards for All lottery grant.
The Feasibility Study showed that the proposals for the building were viable so an application was submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and English Heritage in 2005 for a proportion of the restoration costs. As part of stage one of the HLF bid, the Trust commissioned three specialist reports: an Audience Development Plan, an Access Audit Plan and a Conservation Management Plan.
The HFL and English Heritage awarded the Trust £15,900 and £5,000 respectively in late 2008 for a development plan which was used to fund the architect costs involved in submitting a stage two bid application.
Current stage:
The Trust has been granted a 30 year lease from the London Borough of Greenwich.
HLF also awarded £256,000 towards the full restoration costs. Match funding is being sought as well as the launch of a fundraising campaign to allow individuals to contribute to preserving our heritage.