Parklea heritage uncovered with Heritage Lottery Funding

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver a project exploring the history of our Port Glasgow site.

The new community hub, currently under construction at Parklea, presents the ideal opportunity to explore the long history of the site, which started life as an orchard.

The project will also investigate the history of the timber ponds next to Parklea.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s support will create opportunities for us to explore the past and to engage with the wider community as part of their historical investigations. The project will also create links to the future for Parklea putting discoveries on show and creating a digital archive.

The heritage project will last around 18 months and includes a variety of activities for our clients including; photography, historical research at the James Watt Institution, an archeology project and art classes, as well as engaging with local community groups for historical information.  The results will be showcased on site and be digitally recorded for future generations.

Sharon Gemmell, Manager at Parklea, said “We are delighted to have been awarded funding of £88,238 thanks to National Lottery players.

“The heritage of the site is very important to the team and the local community. As a charity, working with clients with a variety of additional support needs, we are keen to provide a project that is both engaging and educational, which will allow them to showcase their work and educate future visitors.

“Our new community hub is well underway and it this gives us the opportunity to look back to our past and link it with the future of our facility.

“Parklea has been established on this location for 27 years and hopefully will continue to do great work in the community for many years to come. “

The project will tie in partnerships with organisations such as The James Watt Institution and the local Heritage Network.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033.  

They are passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.