A multi-million pound project to secure the long-term preservation of one of Northamptonshire’s most important historic sites has been given a huge boost.

For nearly 900 years, Delapré Abbey in Northampton has had a key role in local and national history – playing host to kings and queens as well as major battles.

Following an extensive restoration project, the Grade II* listed house and gardens has become a much-loved public facility featuring a popular café and restaurant and a wide range of events.

Now, to secure its long-term future, the Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust is working on the £5 million ‘A Stable Future’ project to repair the site’s substantial 19^th century stables and associated buildings and transform them into a new health and wellbeing hub.

The project has won the backing of the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) which is helping the Trust to drive the scheme forward with a mix of social investment worth £435,000. AHF has supported the project with a Heritage Impact Fund loan as well as blended finance through the Thrive Together Fund – delivered in partnership with Social Investment Business. It has also provided support through the pilot Energy Resilience Fund, delivered in partnership with Key Fund, which has enabled Delapré Abbey to access blended finance towards the installation of solar panels to help the site become more energy efficient.

AHF Chief Executive Matthew Mckeague said: “The restoration and reuse of the underused stable block on Delapré Abbey Estate will not only strengthen the Trust’s resilience and ensure the long-term preservation of this historically important site, but it will also deliver significant social impacts for the local community.”

Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust Chief Executive Richard Clinton said: “Our 19^th century stable block is a substantial, unused heritage asset. We know from our research and consultations it could become an important hub that provides health and mental wellbeing opportunities for our local communities and visitors as well as retail spaces that support our long-term sustainability.

“However, to achieve this ambitious plan we need help and so we’re incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of the Architectural Heritage Fund. We’re thankful to them for securing this significant amount of funding for us from the Social Investment Business and Key Fund.

“Without their blend of grant and loan funding, we would have faced increased costs and delays in realising the vital benefits this project will bring to the community.

“Beyond the funding they have encouraged us and offered advice and support which has been critical in making this project a reality.

“We also extend our sincere thanks to Key Fund, Social Investment Business, and the wider project funders who have helped ensure that we will be able to grow our work supporting our communities.”

The AHF offers a range of funding options, including grants and tailored loan finance, with competitive terms, to support not-for-profit organisations working on or based in historic buildings across the UK.

To find out more about Delapré Abbey visit https://delapreabbey.org/