HLF confirms final award of £7.6 million towards restoration project

After years of uncertainty and continuing decline, Chiswick House's historic gardens are to be restored.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has just confirmed a final award of £7.6 million towards the £11.7 million restoration project, which means that this internationally renowned historic landscape can be enjoyed by future generations.

Work will begin at the site in spring and will see miles of paths renewed, over 1600 new trees planted, the conservatory brought back to life so that the rare camellia collection can continue to thrive and a new café and lavatories built.

Commenting on the successful bid, Chairman of the Chiswick House and Gardens Trust, Rupert Hambro said,“My trustees and I are thrilled and extremely grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the award. This, added to Hounslow Council’s unanimous planning consent, means that the HLF’s generosity gives a huge boost to our fundraising campaign. We now just need to make one final push to raise the £1m to complete the funding for the project.

"People already come from near and far to enjoy Chiswick House and Gardens’ atmosphere and it is the history of the place that makes it so special. It is one of the most important landscapes in the world for its influence on garden design, in particular the English Landscape Movement. Chiswick House is also one of the most glorious examples of neo-Palladian architecture, so it is highly appropriate that during Palladio’s 500th anniversary that the setting for this stunning house should be restored.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the generous donors and the very many people who have provided invaluable feedback on the proposals, all of which has contributed to a spectacular restoration plan.”

The announcement has been welcomed by Hounslow Council, which owns the gardens and was integral in founding the Chiswick House and Gardens Trust, a charity that drives forward improvements to this west London treasure.The trust consists of representatives from the council, English Heritage - which owns Chiswick House - and local residents.

Cllr Paul Lynch, a trustee and Hounslow Council’s lead member for heritage, said,“We are absolutely thrilled that the HLF has awarded this significant funding to the project and thank them for their generosity. Chiswick House and Gardens is a west London treasure, but its significance, reputation and importance goes much further, and it is renowned in international circles. This boost means future generations will be able to enjoy and appreciate it for many years to come.”

Cllr Felicity Barwood, a trustee and chair of Chiswick Area Committee, added, “The trust has put in an enormous amount of work to secure this funding, and with planning consent already secured, these are positive times, and the future of Chiswick House and Gardens is bright. I would like to add my congratulations to everyone involved, and my thanks to the generous donors.”

Details of the restoration project can be found at www.chgt.org.uk

February 4, 2008