A trust behind plans to restore Burton’s oldest building has launched a major crowdfunding campaign amid warnings the historic site could soon be lost forever.
Trustees at Sinai Park House Trust say the timber framework at Sinai Park House has reached a critical stage, with fears that another winter could leave the building beyond viable restoration.
The trust is aiming to raise £20,000 through its Crowdfunder campaign as part of wider funding ambitions linked to a £3.8 million application submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Trustees are awaiting a decision on the bid and say they must secure £500,000 in match funding by 2030.
Long-term plans for the Grade II* site include transforming Sinai Park House into an accessible heritage and wellbeing destination offering educational programmes, wellbeing activities, heritage events, volunteering opportunities and nature-based experiences.
As part of the campaign, supporters can claim rewards linked to the restoration project, including tour and cream tea experiences, Restoration Retreats and overnight stays at Sinai.
Businesses supporting the campaign will also have the opportunity to feature their company name on a dedicated supporters’ wall displayed during the restoration works.
Sinai Park House trustee Laura Wigg-Bailey said: “Now is the time to show the National Lottery Heritage Fund that Burton wants its oldest building saved. This is a vital piece of heritage not only for Burton but for the Midlands – if we do not act now, there will not be another chance to save it.
“National Lottery Heritage Fund are watching this Crowdfunder. The application assessment panel members will be watching the progress of this campaign to see how much local support there is for the project, so please consider donating, even a small amount will help and sharing the Crowdfunder with anyone and everyone you think might be interested. We need to show them that the community is behind this project.
“Our vision is to bring Sinai back to life as a place that supports learning, wellbeing, heritage and community connection all year round.
“If you have ever wanted to visit or thought you would like to see Sinai restored, now is your chance to show that the people of Burton-upon-Trent care. The Crowdfunder has had a good start, but there’s still a really long way to go. This is a moment for the whole community to come together and help secure the future of a place that means so much to so many people.”
Dating back to at least the 13th century, Sinai Park House is believed to be Burton’s oldest surviving building. Originally owned by the de Schobenhale family, the moated site was later given to the monks of Burton Abbey, who used it as a “seyney house” – a place where monks recovered from bloodletting treatments.
Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the estate passed to the Paget family, who used it as a hunting lodge for almost 400 years. Over the centuries the Grade II*-listed timber-framed house was remodelled and expanded before falling into dereliction during the 20th century after periods as farm cottages, RAF billets and even housing for animals.
