Cllr Vanessa McPake, the council cabinet member responsible for heritage and culture, was speaking at a major funding announcement that has provided a significant boost to the park’s future.
Milton Keynes Council is to match £300,000 of funding from English Heritage over the next three years that will be used to clear the backlog of essential maintenance and repair work required at the Second World War code-breaking centre.
Bletchley Park Trust director Simon Greenish (pictured) said: “Not only would we like to convey enormous gratitude to Milton Keynes Council and English Heritage for their collaboration and the clear demonstration of their belief in the Trust but, equally importantly, to the people of Milton Keynes for voting to support Bletchley Park in the Milton Keynes Council Budget Consultation.
“This vital endorsement takes us one step closer to achieving our aim of creating a world-class educational and heritage site reflecting Bletchley Park’s crucial contribution to the outcome of World War Two and the 20th century.”
Cllr McPake added: “I am delighted that the residents of Milton Keynes agreed that we should support Bletchley Park. In this time of economic downturn more people are likely to be holidaying in the UK, so Bletchley Park has a real role to play in supporting the economy of Milton Keynes.”
When English Heritage invested £330,000 for Mansion roof repairs in November last year, it invited further investment for Bletchley Park by pledging an extra £100,000 a year over the next three years, on condition that the funding was matched by outside partners.
Dr Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, said: “I am delighted that Milton Keynes Council has pledged this money which will ensure urgent repairs can be made to the historic buildings on the site.
“Bletchley Park is of enormous historical importance and played a vital role in the allies winning the Second World War. A large part of the activity that secured the freedom that Europe now enjoys took place here and this is why English Heritage is so keen to help.”
More from Bedford:
Cleanliness is next to ESG: Venue guests forego housekeeping to benefit community organisations
15th January 2025
COMMUNITY organisations are set to benefit from a new initiative led by guests at a conference and training venue in Bedfordshire. Under the Room2Give scheme, guests staying more than one night at...
New owners complete acquisition of former Wilko store in Bedford High Street
8th January 2025
A FORMER Wilko store has been acquired in a major retail deal in Bedford town centre. The sale, to anonymous new owners, follows Bedford Borough Council’s recent purchase of the nearby vacant...
John Lewis distribution warehouses commit to closer links with Bedford College via Employer Partnership Scheme
3rd December 2024
RETAIL giant John Lewis & Partners has joined the Employer Partnership Scheme run by The Bedford College Group. The partnership’s sites at Magna Park, on the edge of Milton Keynes towards...