Selsey Pavilion Trust Awarded Grant from Julia Rausing Trust

Nine months after acquiring the historic Selsey Pavilion, the Selsey Pavilion Trust (SPT) has been awarded a £37,665 grant from the Julia Rausing Trust to fund essential wall repairs and comprehensive flooring improvements.

“After months of intensive repairs—making the Pavilion watertight by replacing and insulating the entire roof—this grant from Julia Rausing Trust is a testament to the hard work of my fellow trustees, our local contractors, and the supportive community who have stood behind us every step of the way,” said SPT Chairman Christian Skelton.

“This funding will allow us to address key structural issues and install new flooring throughout, bringing us one step closer to transforming the Pavilion into a vibrant community space.”

Although the Pavilion’s cinema closed its doors fifty years ago, its significance has never diminished. Across the UK, similar historic buildings are being revitalised as thriving community hubs, and now it’s Selsey’s turn to reclaim this cherished landmark.

Building on this generous support, the Trust has appointed structural engineers to design a steel frame that will strengthen the original walls while incorporating future-proof features, such as supports for theatre lighting over the main auditorium. These upgrades will ensure the Pavilion’s long-term stability as it evolves into a multipurpose community arts and heritage venue.

Starting in January, the Trust will also focus on damp-proofing and insulating the floors. By addressing these critical improvements early in the new year, the project ensures a more comfortable, efficient, and durable environment—further securing the Pavilion’s future as a vibrant gathering place for the entire community.

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About the Julia Rausing Trust

Julia Rausing Trust has been established in memory of the late British philanthropist Julia Rausing, who died in 2024.

Julia Rausing Trust will see £100million donated to charities and organisations in its first year and annually thereafter, making it one of the largest charitable funds in the UK.

Julia Rausing co-founded The Julia and Hans Rausing Trust in 2014. She was widely known for her unwavering commitment to philanthropy and her impactful contributions to a wide range of UK charitable causes. She was instrumental in building the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust into one of the largest philanthropic funds in the country, donating £400 million to causes across Health, Welfare, and the Arts, primarily within the UK.

www.juliarausingtrust.org