Hunt starts for favourite project after thousands hit the Lottery jackpot
PROJECTS across Bristol have benefited from lottery funding of £420 million since the draw started 25 years ago.
New figures released by the National Lottery show that more than 4,000 projects across the city have been awarded grants in that time.
One of the biggest grants – for £11.6 million – was given to Bristol’s £27 million M Shed museum, which opened in 2011.
The Being Brunel initiative – a new museum on Bristol’s Harbourside which opened last year to celebrate the life and work of renowned civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel – also received £4.78 million in lottery funding.
The multi-million-pound project to transform the city’s Colston Hall into a world class concert venue received £4.75 million, while the project to transform two First World War hangars at Filton Airfield into an aerospace museum
and the home of the last Concorde to fly was awarded £4.7 million.
Other projects across the city have been awarded smaller grants, including Bristol Bike Project which was given £9,998.
The project was set up to train people to repair and maintain bikes, with the aim of bringing together those at risk of social isolation.
The 17th Bristol Scout Group in St George was also awarded £9,000 to create a safe space for young people to access and engage in a range of activities.
A further £7,100 was awarded to Burnham-on-Sea Motor Boat and Sailing Club in Clifton East to provide rowing sessions for young people, enabling them to take part in activities to benefit their health and wellbeing.
Now, as part of the National Lottery’s 25th birthday celebrations, organisations that have received grants are being invited to enter a special award to find the UK’s favourite lottery-funded project.
National Lottery award-winners will receive a £10,000 prize and national recognition at a glittering ceremony broadcast on BBC One later in the year.
National Lottery spokesman, Jonathan Tuchner, said: “Since its launch 25 years ago, The National Lottery has helped change lives across Bristol.
“This tremendous work would not be possible without those who play The National Lottery and those do extraordinary things with National Lottery funding.
“They are transforming their community every day of the week and if you know of one that deserves recognition then please nominate them for a National Lottery Award.
“I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together over the next 25 years.”
People can enter their favourite project at www.lotterygoodcauses. org.uk/awards. Entries must be received by midnight on April 30.