MORE than 17 years after the library moved out of the building, Bridport Literary and Scientific Institute (LSI) is being given a new lease of life thanks to £1.4 million Lottery Grant and a High Court ruling

The restoration project has been developed by the Bridport Area Development Trust charity.

Earlier this month the trust, together with Dorset County Council and Sir John Elphinstone, whose great grandfather originally gave the building to the town, went to the High Court where a vesting was made that ended years of uncertainty about the legal status of the building.

At the hearing the freehold of the building was vested in the trust so it can be restored and maintained as a community asset for the future.

This landmark ruling followed news that the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded a grant of £1,421,500 towards the project, and a further grant £300,000 has been confirmed by English Heritage.

Mike Carter, chairman of the LSI working group, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of recent funding applications, and with the decision of the High Court. An enormous amount of time and effort has been put into the project to be able to reach this point and we are very grateful to the hundreds of local people who have helped us to make it happen.”

Crystal Johnson said, “there is still about £140,000 to raise but we feel we are now on the home straight. We will be continuing with our fundraising efforts through the project delivery and we would welcome additional support or assistance. If anyone is interested to get involved, even if they could only offer and hour or two, we would love to hear from them. We are holding an informal meeting to talk about the plans for fundraising at The Stable on Monday 27 April - please do drop in between 5.30pm and 6.30pm”.

If you would like to get involved in the project or join the mailing list please contact Crystal by email, Crystal@bridportadt.org.uk

The total cost of the project will be approximately £2.6m, but the majority of this funding is now confirmed, and includes support from HLF, English Heritage, Challenge Fund, Pilgrim Trust, Headley Foundation, Dorset County Council, West Dorset District Council, and Bridport Town Council.