Urgent repairs to the roof of Delapre Abbey are set to be carried out this summer after the Northampton Borough Council successfully bid for nearly £200,000 in funding.
The borough council has received a grant from English Heritage and is also investing a further £200,000 to help restore the historic abbey which has been suffering from leaks which have damaged the interior of the main building.
The refurbishment work, which is due to start in late summer, will also include structural repairs to the north wing of the building.
Councillor David Mackintosh, leader of Northampton Borough Council said: “The restoration of Delapre Abbey is something we all want to see.
“The Abbey is an important part of our town’s future and a link to our rich heritage. So we are exploring every opportunity to attract the funding and investment we need to bring this unique building back into use, as something we can be proud of and a regional attraction.
“I am delighted that English Heritage is recognising the importance of the abbey and the hard work and commitment we are putting in. This funding will go a long way in supporting us in preserving the building for future generations.”
Anthony Streeten, English Heritage Planning and Conservation Director for East Midlands said: “We are delighted to be working with Northampton Borough Council on repairs to Delapre Abbey.
“The abbey has been on our Heritage at Risk register for many years and we hope these repairs will help get this important building’s future secured.”
Northampton Borough Council and Delapre Abbey Conservation Trust are also in the process of bidding for £3.6million from the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore the main abbey building, the 18th century stable block and 19th century stable yard.