 Itford Farm lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty |
A �2.2m conversion of 13th Century farm buildings into a youth hostel and outdoor activity centre is set to proceed with a large lottery grant. The development at Itford Farm, near Lewes, in East Sussex, has been awarded �804,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Building work should begin in the New Year, with money also coming from the county council and the private sector.
The Grade II-listed farmhouse, barns and outbuildings will become a visitor centre for walkers and school parties.
Itford Farm is situated where the South Downs Way national trail crosses the River Ouse.
The farm was recently made more accessible to walkers, cyclists and horse riders, with the opening of a bridleway bridge over the busy A26 trunk road.
Councillor Simon Kirby, from East Sussex County Council, said the conversion work would "provide a boost to tourism, benefiting local pubs, restaurants and shops, and securing a future for a richly historical building".
The new facilities could be up and running by mid-2008.
One-Minute World News 
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