The Cotswolds Conservation Board working with the Friends of the Cotswolds learnt on 20 January that their Heritage Lottery Fund bid has been unsuccessful.
The bid, submitted in October, was for significant enhancements to the Old Prison visitor centre in Northleach, including all weather gallery to better display the important agricultural collection.
Simon Randall, Chairman of the Friends of the Cotswolds said: “We are disappointed that this application has not been successful for the further development of the Old Prison. We will be asking for feedback on the Heritage Lottery Fund decision and we will continue to apply for other funding to extend and enhance the Old Prison visitor experience”.
The site has been recently rebranded as the Cotswolds Discovery Centre to apply some of the changes as a ‘Cotswolds experience’ outlined in the application to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Martin Lane, Director of the Cotswolds Conservation Board said: “We will listen and take on board feedback from the Heritage Lottery Fund while setting out a new funding drive for the Old Prison. We know that visitors and the local community enjoy visiting the centre . The Cotswolds Discovery Centre at the Old Prison is a popular visitor destination and community hub and we have an exciting new range of events and activities for the whole family throughout this spring and summer. We are looking forward to continued support from local residents and to welcoming even more visitors to the centre.”
To see the programme of events and activities running in February half term and in the spring visit www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/discoverycentre