Announcing support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund — Open Arms Kington
Summary
Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, Open Arms Kington aims to preserve the buildings rich heritage while returning the space to the community as a venue for events and services, as well as boosting the local economy and providing jobs through its pub and B&B offering.Development funding of \xa392,496 has been awarded by the Heritage Fund to help Open Arms Kington progress our plans to enable us to apply for a full grant of \xa31.13 million at a later date. Building work is currently projected to begin in Spring 2026.The development phase will also include a review of The Oxford Arms business model, to ensure that it is owned and run for long term inclusive community benefit. Benefits of the project include strengthening community connection through a dedicated social space and diverse events program, as well as hosting vital services to improve physical and mental wellbeing. The pub and community spaces will be made fully accessible for all users.When the building is once again made functional as a pub and B&B, it will boost economic opportunities for Kington through provision of tourist accommodation and local jobs.All work related to the project, events and conservation embed principles driving toward a Net Zero energy goal for The Oxford.Judith Gardner, Director and Chairperson of Open Arms Kington said: We are thrilled to have received this initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.Over the next 10 years, we aim to invest \xa33.6 billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities.Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLottery #HeritageFundThe Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is a registered charity, working since 1976 to promote the conservation and sustainable re-use of historic buildings for the benefit of communities across the UK.