Funding Secured to Protect and Restore Bretons Outdoor Centre

Havering Council has secured funding to carry out a detailed assessment of the historic buildings at Bretons Outdoor Centre.

A grant of £48,431 from Historic England — match-funded by the Council’s capital works programme — will help to breathe new life into this much-loved local site. The funding will be used to deliver a full appraisal and condition survey of the Bretons site, assessing the current state of the buildings and exploring how they can be creatively and sustainably reused.

Bretons Outdoor Centre is home to a historic manor house, stables, barns and a walled garden. The Grade II* listed 17th-century house is currently used as a community hall and nursery, while a Grade II listed 16th-century barn hosts table tennis and archery. However, several other buildings and areas have fallen out of use and are currently inaccessible.

This new funding aims to unlock the site’s full potential for cultural, educational and wellbeing activities that will benefit the whole community.

The project will include:

• A full site assessment of the historic buildings
• Consultation with local stakeholders
• Evaluation of future development options
• A strategy for the site’s longer-term management, funding and maintenance

By laying the groundwork for a heritage-led regeneration plan, the project also supports Historic England’s mission to use historic buildings and landscapes to reduce loneliness, support mental health, and inspire community pride.

Councillor Gillian Ford, Deputy Leader of Havering Council and Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said:
“This funding is a fantastic opportunity to protect and celebrate the rich heritage at Bretons. By working with the community and Historic England, we’re building a strong foundation for regeneration of the site that will benefit generations to come. I would like to thank Historic England for supporting this significant and exciting venture.”

Hannah Parham, Head of Partnerships at Historic England, added:
“Bretons is a fascinating collection of buildings that has lots of untapped potential. We’re excited to be working closely with Havering Council on this initial phase of work, paving the way for further investment and renewal of this much-loved historic place to maximise its use for the benefit of the community.”

The condition survey will also help identify urgent repairs and allow the Council to take action to protect the most vulnerable parts of the site, ensuring a safe and sustainable future for Bretons while preserving its unique character. Although this phase will not include major repairs, it marks a vital first step in planning for long-term improvements.

To further support Havering’s cultural strategy, A Good Life, Historic England has also funded a new Council Heritage Project Officer role to lead on the development and preservation of Havering’s historic buildings and cultural heritage. The role will play a key part in engaging local communities and securing future funding for further heritage activities.

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