A £2 MILLION lottery boost for Walton Hall will help transform and restore a forgotten part of the estate.

And it is a boost for the town’s ambitious 2021 City of Culture bid.

The money will be spent on restoring the historic conservatories which have fallen into disrepair.

The scheme, submitted by Warrington Borough Council and its partners Myerscough College, The Walton Lea Partnership and The Friends of Walton Estate, also includes the shippon buildings and transforming the old buildings into a dedicated learning centre.

The Shippon, once occupied by Lady Daresbury’s prized Kerry cattle, will become classrooms and offices, with the historic conservatory and vinery used as teaching, growing and display space.

The subjects taught at the new learning centre will include horticulture and animal care, with students carrying out project work on the Walton Estate and in the children’s zoo as part of their courses.

Cllr Tony Higgins, executive board member for culture, leisure and community, said: “I’m delighted that this integral part of our borough’s cultural heritage is receiving this massive cash injection.

“We have worked very hard with our partners to bring this funding which will benefit the whole Walton Estate.

“With Heritage Lottery Fund support we will now be able to restore the grand conservatories and beautiful buildings to their former glory and setting within the gardens.”

Walton Lea Partnership’s work will be carried out side by side with the college, allowing people of all ages and abilities to learn together.

An important part of the project will be to reopen the conservatory area to visitors to Walton with a part of the main conservatory being a public space where visitors can learn about the horticultural heritage of the site and see development and training work taking place.

As part of the project, a programme of events and activities will be planned that will aim to connect visitors to the popular gardens to the heritage and history of the site, The Friends of Walton Estate will be integral to developing this programme.

As reported in last week’s Warrington Guardian, this is another major boost for the estate after plans to redevelop the old riding school were agreed.