An historic farm in East Sussex is to get a new lease of life as a £2million Youth Hostel and outdoor activity centre after being awarded a major grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The scheme will result in YHA Itford Farm - situated on the South Downs Way at Beddingham - between the seaside resorts of Brighton and Eastbourne.
The HLF has agreed a grant of £804,000 towards the total cost of the project with YHA agreeing to contribute £250,000.
The remainder of the money will be provided through private investment, Landfill Tax Credits and public sector grants.
YHA Regional Manager for the South East Craig Thomas said: “We’re delighted the funding jigsaw has been completed with this award from HLF.
“Now the money is in place, we hope to start work very early in the New Year on creating a new hostel of around 60 beds - split into small rooms with en suite facilities.
“We’ve been seeking to secure a base in this area for around 10 years now and it’s terrific news that our planning and hard work has paid off.
“With excellent access to the South Downs not to mention Brighton, Eastbourne and the ferries to and from Newhaven, I’m sure this will prove to be a hugely popular location for YHA.”
The new centre will also include an education and interpretation centre, classroom facilities and a café.
Craig added that it was hoped the new centre would be open for business in time for the summer season in 2008.
Sheena Vick, Heritage Lottery Fund Manager for the South East, said: “Heritage is one of our greatest assets. It is a tangible symbol of our past, but also the roots of our modern identity and a great building block for future regeneration.
“The funding announced today will enable key historic sites to play a fuller role in East Sussex life and ensure they are preserved for future generations to explore.”
The Grade II* listed farmhouse is rich in history, having stood since before the 13th Century.
It is built mainly of flint with a tiled roof and inside, an unusual trefoiled headed piscine survives from the 13th century chapel previously on the site.