More time to save hall as campaign target nears

Jan 22 2009 by Ben Guy, The Journal

THE campaign to save Seaton Delaval Hall received a boost yesterday as more time was given to fundraising applications.

The National Trust’s Board of directors has agreed to delay a final decision on the acquisition to await the outcome of a number of public sector funding applications and processes.

The campaign, backed by The Journal, has already raised £2.5m, and the trust said it was ‘optimistic’ that several large funding bids would help it reach the £6.3m fundraising target.

Liz Fisher, North East area manager for the National Trust, said: “This is an extremely positive decision. The level of public support for Seaton Delaval Hall is so great that our trustees feel that we should press on with the acquisition process, as we pursue the other pieces of the fundraising jigsaw.

“Thousands of people across the country, and especially in the North East, have done their bit to support this campaign – whether through volunteering, organising an event, or making a donation. It has all made a difference.

“But the final piece of the jigsaw now rests with public sector bodies to ensure we can meet the acquisition and set-up costs and secure the hall forever.”

The outcome of the Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) process is among the public sector contributions the trust is now awaiting.

Following the death of Lord Hastings in 2007, an inheritance tax liability is payable. An application has been made to the Government to settle this liability by offering the Vanbrugh house, its contents and the immediately surrounding lands on condition that they pass to the National Trust. It is now for the Government and its advisers to consider the offer in lieu.

Once the trust knows the remaining funding gap it is hoping that the National Heritage Memorial Fund will help with the final money.