Charity Fights to Save Portsmouth Regeneration Project
Learning Links seek to restart investment for Treadgolds
Learning Links, the Hampshire based charity managing the restoration of former Ironmongers Treadgolds in Portsea is appealing for support from the local community after building work has been hit by delays which may cause vital funding to be withdrawn. The site was due to be converted into a vibrant arts and heritage centre in one of the most deprived areas of the city, preserving the rich history of the building and offering the community new opportunities in learning and development. Chief Executive Zoë Gray said: “The whole team at Learning Links has worked really hard at getting this project off the ground and we’re really concerned about the proposal to withdraw the funds this far down the line. We’ve got the right professional team in place, and all the contractors are ready to start as soon as we get the go ahead. If we’re successful in retaining our grant from the BIG Lottery to kick off the building work, we’ve had pledges from Charity Bank, Big Issue Invest and South Coast Moneyline to continue.” The project was taken on by Learning Links in 2006 at the request of the community because of their reputation and ongoing commitment to the region. Although this was a new venture for the charity, they were keen to work on the centre which clearly meant so much to Portsmouth and have received the support of the local councils and community in their aim to breathe new life into the historic building. Although there were early delays with this project as the charity grasped the scope and requirements of a project which was outside their normal expertise, everything is now in place to start the work. However, following their own substantial investment in the project and taking on specialist staff, funds initially committed by the BIG Lottery from the Office of the Third Sector may be withdrawn because of these earlier difficulties. Learning Links are appealing to the local community to show their support for Treadgolds as they work with the BIG Lottery to secure their funding. Zoë Gray added: “We just need the go ahead from the BIG Lottery. Everything is ready; we’ve invested in all the necessary preparatory work and the contractors are keen to start. We know the community wants this project to succeed and make Treadgolds not only a part of the region’s heritage but also a vibrant centre for arts and learning for generations to come.” To voice your support of the project, join the Treadgolds Arts and Heritage Centre Supporters Facebook page; share your memories of Treadgolds and your ideas for the future. -Ends- Words: 436 Images show: Treadgolds, Portsea Further images and interviews with the Learning Links restoration team available on request.
Tags: