English Heritage has been awarded a National Lottery grant for a project they are aiming to transform in Twickenham they announced today (July 17).

The Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund’s Parks for People programme have given £4.08 million to revive Marble Hill House and its surrounding grounds.

English Heritage is aiming to make a series of improvements to restore the historical house and 18th century garden by opening up more land and transforming the park’s facilities.

Anna Eavis, English Heritage’s Curatorial Director, said: “This is a massive vote of confidence in our plans for Marble Hill and we are very grateful for this support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Big Lottery Fund and Parks for People programme.

“Marble Hill is already a much-loved part of the local community but it has seen little investment since the 1980s.

“By opening up the house and revitalising the park, we will ensure that Marble Hill can continue to be enjoyed by locals and Londoners, young and old, for generations to come.”

An additional two and a half acres of land in the grounds will be opened up - including a new play area for children and the sports facilities will be upgraded by improving the quality of the pitches, refurbishing the changing rooms and adding a new separate changing area for women.

Denise Carr from The Marble Hill Society, said: “It is fantastic news that English Heritage has been awarded funding for their Marble Hill Revived project.

“The area has received virtually no investment for a number of years but this is a vibrant community project which will bring both Marble Hill House and Park back to life.”

New interpretations will be installed inside Marble Hill House to retell the property’s fascinating stories and conservation works will also take place to the exterior of the building to preserve it for future generations.

English Heritage plan to restore the lost 18th century grounds, which lay between the house and the River Thames, by working from a c1752 survey and archaeological evidence.

Ros Kerslake, HLF’s Chief Executive, said: “It’s difficult to overstate the importance of our public parks - vital to our well-being and essential to biodiversity, they are highly valued spaces enjoyed daily by people from all walks of life.

“Marble Hill House and Park is one of the latest parks to benefit from over £900million of National Lottery funding, which over the last twenty years has played a crucial role in revitalising more than 800 parks across the UK.”

Key features of the garden will include a historic ninepin bowling alley, tree avenues and groves, hedged arcade, flower garden, orchard, terraces, and serpentine paths will all be reinstated.

After completion, the historical house will be open to the public for free five days of the week and English Heritage will work with a number of local organisations to deliver an education programme for schools, apprenticeship training and a variety of volunteer-led initiatives.