A 16th century farmhouse has received a donation of over £2 million for its rescue and restoration project.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has donated to the Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust (WBPT) for the work on Willow Court Farmhouse in Droitwich, which will be transformed into six new affordable homes.

WBPT received £2,328,595 to carry forward their plans for the Grade II listed farmhouse, which has been unoccupied for several decades.

 

 

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The trust is partnering with Wychavon District Council and Platform Housing Group to breathe new life into the presently uninhabited and poorly maintained property.

The collaboration between a building preservation trust, council, and housing association aims to the targets of resurrecting the at-risk heritage building and building more affordable housing.

The first phase of the project involved securing the site and drawing up plans to save the structure.

Since the lottery fund has granted the necessary funding and the project has received planning permission, conservation work can get underway.

This includes saving an antique timber frame inside the building and creating six new affordable flats.

Worcester News: Willow Court Farmhouse, a Grade II listed property in Droitwich, is set to be transformed into six

In addition, the project plan features an apprenticeship programme and a series of community events.

Sue Whitehouse, chair of the WBPT, said: "We have reached the very important delivery stage in our project at Willow Court Farmhouse after much hard work from our dedicated team and incredible support from the local community.

"We're delighted that we've received this support from National Lottery players and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added to the funding we have previously received from Wychavon District Council and the Architectural Heritage Fund."

Cllr Rick Deller, executive board member for housing and regulatory services at the council, said: "I’m delighted with the support of Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust, Platform Housing Group and National Lottery players we have been able to rescue this historic building and use it to make a real difference to people’s lives by providing new quality affordable places to live."

Steve Eaves, director of regeneration for Platform, said: "Regeneration is going to be an important solution in solving some of our local housing issues and Willow Court is a great example of finding viable answers."