Plans for the transformation of the disused London Street Cathedral School in Derry, Northern Ireland, into a new social enterprise centre have been handed a £832,000 boost by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The B1-listed Victorian schoolhouse, which was built in 1891 as the primary school attached to the St Columb's Church of Ireland Cathedral, is to be restored to provide a new venue for cultural and heritage tourism. London-based charity The Shoreditch Trust will open a new restaurant and training facility as part of The Cresco Trust's plans for the former school, which will offer 35 apprenticeships for local people looking for a career in the catering sector.

HLF funding will also be used to help support a programme of educational activities, which The Cresco Trust aims to enable the local community to learn more about the school and its history. Máire Gallagher, member of the HLF Northern Ireland Committee, said: "For 15 years HLF has been committed to promoting the value of heritage to modern life and this project clearly shows how our past can have the most beneficial impacts on our future by aiding regeneration, boosting the economy and providing opportunities for local people to engage with their heritage."

The Cresco Trust's chief executive, Margaret Lee, added: "The old school is such a significant building within the City Walls and the restoration will provide a facility where local people can learn, engage and progress. It will remain very much part of the city's history." Belfast-based Kriterion Conservation Architects has been appointed to carry out the restoration scheme.

Image: Stephen Latimer