Harewood House Trust has secured a major grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help deliver the first stage of an ambitious project to transform the historic estate.
The funding will support the development of the Trust's "Reimagining Harewood" project, which aims to improve accessibility, enhance the visitor experience and create new ways of sharing Harewood's history.
The first phase will see the Grade II listed Bakehouse transformed into a new visitor centre featuring a café, retail space, interpretation areas and accessible facilities, including a Changing Places toilet.
The surrounding Pleasure Grounds will also be landscaped, restoring historic views and creating new pathways linking the Bakehouse, House and Courtyard with the lakeside.
The visitor centre will also include space to explore Harewood's history, including its connections to the transatlantic trade in enslaved people.
As part of the project, a new Curator of Community Voices will be appointed to work with local communities and descendant communities to help shape how those stories are told.
The Bakehouse redevelopment is the first phase of the wider Reimagining Harewood programme, which also includes plans to restore and reimagine the estate's gardens and landscape.
Rachel Crewes, CEO at Harewood House Trust, said:
"We are delighted to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players.
"This investment marks an important next step in our long-term vision for Reimagining Harewood.
"Entering the development phase allows us to undertake essential surveys, planning and community consultation work, ensuring that the project is shaped with input from local communities and key stakeholders.
"The development phase will run for approximately 18 months, during which we will continue to refine plans and secure additional funding for this transformational project, with the aim of a full completion by 2030, marking 7 years in the making."
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added:
"We're delighted to support Harewood House with this initial grant to work towards a strong and resilient future for this significant site, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.
"It is fantastic news that Harewood House Trust can now further develop their plans to transform the Bakehouse into a new visitor centre to celebrate the important heritage of the site and improve access for all."
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