AN ‘unique’ centre that has offered 12,000 children and young people the experience of training in the arts is to be awarded £150,000 by Sandwell Council.

Ingestre Hall in Staffordshire will use the cash for a restoration of an orangery in its grounds, costing £1,546,986.

The hall is owned and run by Sandwell Council as a residential arts and conference centre and has won national recognition for the work it does with young people.

The £150,000 grant will join £1,018,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and an additional £100,000 from the European Leader Fund to restore the Grade II listed orangery.

Orangeries were often built in the grounds of wealthy homes so oranges and other fruits could be grown.

A report to Sandwell Council’s cabinet recommending the award explained cuts in council funding had limited its ability to undertake the level of restoration and maintenance required in the past.

In January 2015, the council granted a local group, the Friends of Ingestre Orangery, a 30-year lease to enable them to take on the repair and maintenance.

The report states: “Ingestre Hall aims to extend the legacy of Ingestre Arts to be nationally recognised as a centre of excellence where children and young people’s horizons are broadened and where they are inspired and motivated to achieve their full potential in an aspirational environment where creativity and sense of self is valued and encouraged.”

Councillors are expected to approve the grants at their meeting on Wednesday (July 25).