Trellick gets £9m facelift

Trellick Tower, the high-rise block once condemned as one of Britain's ugliest buildings, is set to get millions of pounds worth of Lottery funding.

The 31-storey building, now one of the capital's most fashionable addresses, is earmarked for a £9 million facelift - completing a remarkable turnaround in the fortunes of the building, which has weathered numerous calls for demolition.

Wall tilings, metal window fittings and a pergola beam at the top that was removed will all be replaced to recreate its "architectural integrity".

Kensington and Chelsea council is seeking up to £2 million of Heritage Lottery Fund money on top of £7 million from its own coffers, and proposals already discussed with English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund have been given a "positive" response.

Work on the block could start as soon as October next year.