THE Red Rose Chain Film and Theatre Company has won �30,150 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for development work at Gippeswyk Hall in Ipswich.

The news means that Red Rose can also bid for �500,000 of Heritage Lottery cash in the second round of funding.

Red Rose’s �700,000 project bids to develop Gippeswyk Hall, a Grade 2* listed building which dates back to around 1600, into a centre for the community.

It will also fund four years of heritage projects connected to the hall.

The grant will enable Red Rose Chain to rebuild an extension at the rear of the hall, which was built in the 1960s.

The new build will complement the original hall - a barn-style building is planned- and will house a studio-theatre.

Joanna Carrick, Artistic Director at Red Rose Chain said: “We moved into Gippeswyk Hall in May 2010 and from day one we were all completely in love with the building.

“To be a part of the history of the hall is amazing; it has provided a wonderful boost to the company and the work that we are able to deliver with the community.

“We have a large number of volunteers from all walks of life; they have been integral in bringing the hall back to life and taking it forward into the future.

“They have been decorating it and providing the hall with the love and attention that it had lacked for many years.”

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East of England, added: “The emblematic Gippeswyk Hall is one of Ipswich’s heritage treasures.

“This project has the potential to transform the building so that it can be used in an exciting and creative way by the people from across the community.”