'Under threat' Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust saved by £700,000 grant
WORK to preserve 'unique' historical boats and buildings in Portsmouth that was 'under threat' due to the pandemic has been thrown a lifeline with a grant of almost £700,000.
The government has today announced the Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust is one of 445 organisations across England to receive a share of a £103m from the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage and Heritage Stimulus Fund.
It is thought the £698,600 awarded to the trust, which is based in the historic dockyards, will be used to upskill many of its volunteers, allowing them to carrying out essential maintenance work that is usually contracted out at a cost.
This will enable the trust to maintain its portfolio of historically important buildings and boats and keep its International Boat Training College running.
Peter Goodship, the trust's chief executive, said: 'This grant will enable the trust to continue its valuable work in preserving some of our nation’s most important historic assets on both sides of Portsmouth Harbour; work which has been under real threat as a result of the financial impact of Covid-19.'
He added: 'We are delighted that it will also enable us, through our International Boat Training College, to assist in the retraining and re-employment of some of those who have lost their livelihoods as a result of the pandemic.
'The specialist full-time training offered by the college will enable graduates to pursue a variety of careers beyond traditional boat building including cabinet making, historic building restoration and modular frame construction.'
In line with the announcement MP and Minister of State for Digital and Culture, Caroline Dineage, visited Boathouse 4 to find out how the money would be used.
She said: 'Our heritage is so vital to cities like Portsmouth but also towns and villages up and down the country.
'It doesn't just preserve what's really unique and special about our history and keeps it alive, it also creates so many jobs and and employment opportunities.
'It's really particularly special to me as my grandad was here from the age of 14 as a ship builder. He worked on HMY Britannia here.'
The Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage and Heritage Stimulus Fund are both funded by government and administered by Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund.
Butser Ancient Farm in Chalton was awarded £285,000 from the fund to help it remain open.