Derry City Council receives £1.45m Heritage Lottery Grant

Derry City Council was celebrating today after receiving the largest-ever Heritage Lottery Fund Grant to come to the north west.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) announced in London that a £1.45 million grant would go to Derry City for the council’s proposed 'Armada In Ireland' exhibition at the Tower Museum.

The 'Armada In Ireland' exhibition will convey the story of one of the largest ships in the Armada fleet, which foundered for three days before sinking in Kinnegoe Bay, after the failed invasion of England in 1588.

The central feature of the exhibition will be the permanent display of artefacts that are currently stored at the Ulster Museum in Belfast. In addition the exhibition will also have on loan important artefacts such as armour, ordnance survey information, medical equipment, paintings, documents and charts that will help illuminate the storyline.

This award, along with the recent £1 million grant for the preservation and regeneration of historical buildings through the Townscape Heritage Initiative, aims to provide a draw for tourists, boosting the local economy through the investment of lottery player’s money.

The Heritage Lottery Fund grant will also help to fund enhanced facilities to the Tower Museum including a new education and exhibition space, an expanded entrance and reception area, a viewing platform on the roof of the O’Doherty Fort and improved disabled access.

Dermot Francis, Heritage and Museum Programme Organiser with Derry City Council said that the Armada exhibition would enhance the cultural, tourism and educational resources in the city.

(MB)