Five-year plan to create ‘a brighter future for Port Sunlight’

Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT) says it aims to 'strengthen income generation potential' and 'facilitate the development of an enhanced and sustainable offer for visitors, village residents and the wider local community'.

The plan has received a heritage grant from The National Lottery towards a 12-month project named 'Brighter Future', to support its launch.

Paul Harris, the trust's chief executive said: "We're delighted that our future plans have received such an endorsement from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

"We know that our plans are ambitious.

"However, this is not a solo undertaking.

"It is a responsibility and privilege that we share with other Port Sunlight stakeholders."

Port Sunlight is the UK's finest example of an industrial worker village and early Garden City planning, attracting 300,000 visitors annually.

It was built in 1888 to house Lever's 'Sunlight Soap' factory workers.

Today the area is home to a fascinating museum, 900 Grade-II listed buildings, beautiful architecture, a world-class art gallery, 130 acres of stunning parkland and a thriving community.

The trust's objectives are to make best possible use of its heritage assets, maximise income potential through fundraising and commercial activity, build capacity of the PSVT workforce and increase skills.

As a result of the project, two new staff posts will also be created including a volunteer manager and fundraising officer.

The trust says a combination 'of robust financial planning, diverse income streams, improvements in the quality and scope of the visitor proposition, sustainable conservation, superior conditions for the workforce, and working with and for residents' will be the focus over the coming years.

PSVT's chief executive Paul Harris said The National Lottery grant is the first step towards realising the organisation's new vision for Port Sunlight, 'to be an inspiring place to live, work and visit'.

Looking to the future, he said: "Together we must capitalise on our shared heritage, seize new opportunities, and display some of William Lever's entrepreneurial drive, flair and imagination to create a homely, inclusive, welcoming village and an internationally renowned, financially successful heritage site."

For more on the plans, go to