Ipswich leaders, including mayor Lynne Mortimer and BID chairman Terry Baxter welcome National Lottery Heritage funding for The Great White Horse Hotel
Leaders in Ipswich have welcomed plans which could lead to the renovation of one of the town’s most iconic hotels.
Yesterday, it was revealed that The Great White Horse Hotel, in Tavern Street, was awarded £99,400 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which would kickstart the first stage of a major restoration project.
This will be used to carry out site surveys and condition reports to guide renovation of the grade II-listed building, which was listed on Historic England’s at-risk register in November.
Terry Baxter, the chairman of Ipswich Central Business Improvement District, said the news that a ‘local treasure’ was being preserved was wonderful news.
“Heritage is so important to our town, it’s vital that buildings at risk, in this case the Grade II listed Great White Horse Hotel, can be refurbished and brought back into use for the enjoyment of visitors to the town,” he said.
Cllr Lynne Mortimer, the mayor of Ipswich, also welcomed the news.
Being a fixture of the high street, Cllr Mortimer said the hotel has been a huge part of her life throughout her life.
Cllr Mortimer added: “It's great to see it getting funding to restore it to its former glory, the hotel has always been a focal point and prominent part of the town centre, so it would be amazing to see it restored to its former glory.”
A spokesperson for Ipswich Borough Council said: “It is great news that The Great White Horse has secured funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“This marks a significant milestone in the renovation phase, and a substantial step towards removing this grade II listed building from the Historic England’s at-risk register.”
Ipswich MP Tom Hunt has been approached for comment.