The historic clipper Cutty Sark will be restored to its former glory following news that the final parts of the £46 million funding package are now in place.
Conservation of Cutty Sark will be finally completed at Greenwich next year.
Final funding to finish the project in time for Olympic and Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012 has been provided by a £3 million grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Cutty Sark’s mast and spars will again tower over the World Heritage Site, now to be celebrated as ‘The Royal Borough of Greenwich’.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said:
“Everyone was shocked and saddened as we watched those terrible images of fire on the news. People wondered then whether Cutty Sark could ever be brought back to its former glory. Well, today’s announcement means that the historic clipper – that much-loved part of our maritime heritage since it was installed at Greenwich more than 50 years ago – will once again be open to the public – and in pristine condition – in time for the Olympics: yet another jewel for visitors in 2012 to enjoy.”
