Bude-Stratton Town Council (BSTC) can now confirm it has appointed the contractor for the Compass Point Project, and work to relocate the Storm Tower is scheduled to start on 24 April, 2023.
The work will be undertaken by Sally Strachey Historic Conservation. Sally Strachey is based near Wincanton in Somerset and has an excellent reputation in the conservation of historic buildings. It has recently completed the £3.1m restoration of the National Trust’s Wellington Monument, a Grade II* listed 175-ft high triangular obelisk on the Blackdown Hills.
In addition to the physical re-siting of the Storm Tower, the project includes an exciting activity and educational programme for the community and there will be much more to follow on this over the coming months.
The Compass Point Project is being funded by a £250k grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, £50k from Cornwall Council, £40k from BSTC – plus £60k as a result of a fantastic community crowdfunding effort. There is an anticipated funding gap of £46k and BSTC is in the process of applying for additional support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Lead Cllr for the Compass Point Project, Cllr Peter La Broy said: “At the very first meeting about five years ago when we started to talk about saving our Storm Tower, there was serious doubt expressed that we could even get the project going.
“The single biggest thing that made it viable was the Crowdfunder. You – the community – smashed our targets and gave £60,000 to help us save our landmark, which gave us the tools to unlock further funding from Cornwall Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“There have been many challenges along the way – and often the project felt like it might be too much. To get to the point where we would have contractors on board and ready to start seemed at times unimaginable.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has worked on this project, and special thanks must to go to Frankie, BSTC Project and Strategy Manager, for her tireless efforts. But we are most grateful to the people that put their hand in their pocket and gave some money. It is only because of you that we are able to now save the Storm Tower. Thank you!”
Stuart McLeod, Director England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re so happy to hear that the work to relocate the Storm Tower will begin soon. This structure, which is so iconic on the Bude cliffs, was at risk of being lost forever. Thanks to the money raised by National Lottery players, Cornwall Council and the fantastic support from the community, this will now be saved for future generations to continue to enjoy.”
ENDS
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Using money raised by the National Lottery, we Inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. www.heritagefund.org.uk.
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Since The National Lottery began in 1994, National Lottery players have raised over £46billion for projects and more than 670,000 grants have been awarded across the UK – the equivalent of more than 240 lottery grants in every UK postcode district. More than £30 million raised each week goes to good causes across the UK.