Garfield Weston Foundation commits quarter of a million to the Plymouth History Centre - The Box, Plymouth

By: Jo Clarke
Added: 13 April 2017

The Plymouth History Centre project has been given an amazing £250,000 boost thanks to a funding grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation.

The UK-based trust has been supporting arts, education, youth, community, health, welfare and environmental projects for more than 50 years and has donated over £58 million to a wide range of projects across the country in just the last 12 months.

The successful funding bid was led by the South West Film and Television Archive (SWFTA) who are one of the main partners for the History Centre project.

Alongside Plymouth City Council, the University of Plymouth and the South West Image Bank, SWFTA is working towards the creation of a world class cultural and heritage centre, which is set to open in spring 2020 on the site of the former City Museum and Art Gallery, Central Library and St Luke’s Church.

Councillor Glenn Jordan, Cabinet Member for Culture said: “We are thrilled to have received this major award from the Garfield Weston Foundation. It’s great to have another major funder on board with this ground breaking project especially one which has such a longstanding commitment to supporting organisations that are making a positive impact to the lives of the communities in which they work.”

David Beadel, Chairman of SWFTA said: “This is a much appreciated award which, amongst many other things, will contribute significantly to the goal of securing a long term home for SWFTA's important regional film collection."

Philippa Charles, Director of the Garfield Weston Foundation said: “Our Trustees recognise the importance that UK arts venues play in their communities - the Foundation is delighted to support the Plymouth History Centre and we’re really looking forward to seeing what the partners create.”

In addition to the Garfield Weston Foundation funding support from Plymouth City Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, the Coastal Communities Fund, the University of Plymouth and the Wolfson Foundation has already been secured for the History Centre.

To stay up to date with the progress of the project visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/loveourpast or find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. You can also read regular posts about different aspects of the project at www.plymouthartsandheritage.wordpress.com 

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Notes for editors:

For more information, photographs or interview opportunities call Jo Clarke on 01752 306228 or email jo.clarke@plymouth.gov.uk.

About the Garfield Weston Foundation:

The Garfield Weston Foundation is a family-founded charitable grant-making foundation which supports a wide range of causes across the UK, donating over £58 million in the most recent financial year. It was established in 1958 by Willard Garfield Weston and since then has donated over £900 million, becoming one of the largest and most respected charitable institutions in the UK. For more information visit www.garfieldweston.org