The commitment of Askham Bryan College to breathe new life into a former Victorian stable block and lodge at the heart of a historic Middlesbrough park has received a boost with confirmation that £3million has been awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). This will enable the transformation of buildings within Stewart Park into an agricultural and horticultural education facility. The Park is of international significance as it contains the site of Captain Cook's birthplace.
The Yorkshire-based college has run courses from Stewart Park for some years but the iconic buildings are in need of urgent repair. Two years ago Askham Bryan College pledged the restoration as part of a ten-year plan and to date, work totalling around £150,000 has been completed.
The major restoration will see an exciting new phase of the College's partnership with Middlesbrough Council which transferred over several buildings last year. The aim is to return the buildings to their former glory, encourage greater public access, and create an educational hub for the region’s young people.
Repairs will include extensive work to the roof and the general fabric of the building, the creation of lecture rooms, a science lab, a learning resource centre, animal handling areas, workshops and a reception area. Heritage features such as the former butter churn dairy and Victorian laundry will be restored, and it is anticipated that the visitor information centre, café and courtyard will become vibrant public areas.
Silcock Leedham has been appointed to provide a full building services design for the restoration works.
