Chelmsford has done it. The county town has scooped the largest ever lottery grant in Essex and one of the biggest the Eastern Region has seen.
More than £3.25million has been handed over by the Heritage Lottery Fund to Chelmsford Council to carry out a second phase of restoration work on the town's Hylands House.
The historic building, described at Chelmsford's "jewel in the crown", will now undergo three years of major refurbishment work to turn the house back to its former glory in time to host the World Scout Jamboree in 2007.
The council will also be chipping in to hit the £5.4m total needed to fund the work on the house, its surrounding buildings and land.
Christopher Kingsley, the council's executive for arts and entertainment, said: "We are truly delighted to receive the award.
"At a time when so many landmark buildings are being lost, the council has been able to restore this wonderful house and provide a valuable attraction for borough residents and tourists alike."
Published Wednesday November 26, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article