Plans to create a new multi-million pound black history and cultural centre in Brixton, London, have been boosted by the award of more than £5m in funding support.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has confirmed a £4m contribution, while the Mayor of London has agreed to provide £1m towards the development of the Black Cultural Archives (BCA).

A £910,000 funding package, to be spread over five years, has been provided by Lambeth Council, which will help towards work to transform the Grade II-listed Raleigh Hall in Windrush Square.

The local authority has also gifted a 99-year lease for the property, which is to provide an educational resource for schools, students and members of the general public.

Work will see the building become a permanent home for the BCA's collection of more than 10,000 historical documents spanning a 50-year period, which relate to black Britain and the African diaspora.

The restoration of Raleigh Hall will also ensure that the property is removed from English Heritage's 'At Risk' register and is set to form part of plans for a wider regeneration of Brixton.

BCA chair Matthew Ryder said: "The movement of BCA to a permanent, purpose built home, is itself an historic moment. We believe it will enable the BCA to become a global resource and a leading heritage site in London."

Wesley Kerr, chair of the HLF committee for London, added: "The Heritage Lottery Fund grant enables Brixton's Raleigh Hall to be transformed into an inspiring permanent home for this unique archive and to become an easily accessible gateway to the history and heritage we all share."

Image: Raleigh Hall is to be transformed as part of the scheme