Pocklington – Lottery funding could help Burnby Hall hubs

Pocklington Town Council said it has agreed to support a partnership approach with the Pocklington District Heritage Trust (PDHT) and the Pocklington Community Trust (PCT) to develop Burnby Hall in The Balk into a community and heritage hub, with the council taking the lead on a proposed National Lottery Heritage Fund application.

In September 2025, the lease for the former East Riding of Yorkshire administration offices was handed over to Pocklington’s civic officials.

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Pocklington District Heritage Trust works to preserve and showcase the area’s rich archaeological and historical heritage highlighting everything from internationally important Iron Age burials to Anglo‑Saxon and Viking history.

It recently won the race for an Anglo-Saxon panel to return to the town and said it hopes to show it in a very distinct case.

Pocklington Community Trust, through its role at Burnby Hall and the Community Hall, has introduced an affordable community hub for local people, managing spaces used for coffee mornings, fitness and craft classes, heritage events, NHS blood donation sessions and a wide range of social, cultural and support activities.

Sheena McNamee, a trustee of both the PDHT and PCT, addressed the council at its June meeting.

She said: “A partnership National Lottery Heritage Fund bid, led by Pocklington Town Council and supported by PDHT and the Community Trust, is the only credible route to achieving this at the necessary scale.

“It balances ambition with responsibility and partnership with prudence.”

The council’s involvement would provide the governance and financial oversight needed for a lottery application of around £1 million.

The funding would support a more ambitious transformation of Burnby Hall, including the possible restoration of the Edwardian conservatory and wider heritage and community facilities.

Burnby Hall (Image: Supplied)

Pocklington town mayor Roly Cronshaw said: “Pocklington Town Council is delighted to be working in partnership with Pocklington District Heritage Trust and Pocklington Community Trust on this exciting opportunity for Burnby Hall.

“By bringing together the strengths and expertise of all three organisations, we can develop a strong and ambitious proposal that has the potential to secure significant investment for the town.”

“While the project will help preserve and celebrate an important part of Pocklington’s heritage, its benefits will reach far beyond that.

“The vision is to create a vibrant community hub that can be enjoyed by residents of all ages and interests, providing enhanced facilities, opportunities and activities that support the wellbeing, learning and social life of the whole community.”

The PCT is already working to make the whole of Burnby Hall fit and safe for multi-purpose use, while the PDHT aims to open a low-key museum within the building before the end of the year.

Successful lottery applications are not rapid, but it is hoped that the initial steering group can be brought together to get the process underway in the near future.