Almost £750,000 Awarded To Help Secure Newport Guildhall’s Future

Newport Guildhall is set to benefit from almost £750,000 in funding to help repair the historic building and protect it for future generations.

The Grade II* listed landmark has been awarded the money through Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, which supports historic buildings in need of urgent repairs.

Designed by John Nash, whose work includes Buckingham Palace and Regent Street, the Guildhall was built between 1814 and 1816. Its clock tower was added in 1887 to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.

The building is currently on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.

The Isle of Wight Council says the funding will support wider plans to restore and revitalise the Guildhall, including improvements to the Museum of Island History, accessibility and building services.

The ambition is to create a more accessible community space offering greater opportunities for learning, volunteering and local activities.

Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, chair of the council’s economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee, said the award was a significant step towards securing the building’s future.

She said the aim was not only to preserve the historic landmark, but to make it a thriving centre for heritage, learning and community engagement.

Historic England said the fund would help address urgent conservation needs and support sustainable futures for historic buildings across England.