But nearly two million pounds is still needed to fund project

Work to transform Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery could start next year but further funding is still needed and permission from the Govenment must be secured.

Ealing's planning committee has approved the application, to renovate the manor and build a new café in the walled garden, but, because it's a Grade I listed building, the Government’s National Planning Casework Unit will now have the final say on the Listed Building Consent approval.

Planning permission was also given for a conservatory extension at the back of the manor and installation of a roof lantern and the former library building, which was converted into a gallery in the 1980s, will have updated and improved visitor facilities.

There will also be improved pedestrian access from Ealing Green to the café, linking through to the walled garden and Walpole Park.

In April 2012, Pitzhanger Manor was awarded a first-round development grant of £275,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to develop the restoration plans. A round-two bid of £4.42million has recently been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund to carry out the restorations. Alongside a bid which has been submitted to Arts Council England for just under £500,000 for works to the gallery.

Ealing Council also agreed in principle to allow the Pitzhanger Manor Trust to take over management and operation of the manor house and gallery.

The Trust is a registered charity which was formed to work alongside the council to oversee the redevelopment and conservation of the manor house and gallery. It also raises awareness of the project and, finds ways to raise the rest of the £1.85million needed to carry out the restoration project.

Recently, £425,000 has been awarded from several charitable trusts and foundations which fund heritage and arts projects. The funds are subject to the success of the second round bid from HLF. Further funding is required to enable the total cost of the project to be met.

Leader of Ealing Council and member of the Pitzhanger Manor Trust, Councillor Julian Bell, said: “We are making excellent progress towards the restoration of one of the borough’s most iconic landmarks and a fantastic cultural asset.

“I am very pleased that the Pitzhanger Manor Trust has been granted future management of the site in principal. There is still a lot of work which needs to be done but I am confident both the council and the Trust will meet their fundraising targets and Pitzhanger Manor will be restored to its former glory.”

Chair of Pitzhanger Manor Trust, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, said: “This is very exciting news for Ealing, West London and England’s cultural heritage. These are tangible steps forward and the Trust is working hard, alongside the council, to raise funds for this important restoration project. We are looking forward to the time when we take responsibility for Pitzhanger Manor, Gallery, the new café and community facilities, all within the wonderfully-restored Walpole Park. I have no doubt that once completed it will be the jewel in the crown of the queen of the suburbs.”

Subject to further planning permission and all of the funding being approved, work on Pitzhanger Manor is due to start early in 2015.

25th February 2014