BCD 2018

127 C AT H E D R A L COMMU N C I AT I O N S C E L E B R AT I N G T W E N T Y F I V E Y E A R S O F T H E B U I L D I N G CO N S E R VAT I O N D I R E C TO R Y 1 9 9 3 – 2 0 1 8 EXTERNAL WORKS 3.4 Heritage (TH), the UK-wide programme is for schemes which help communities improve the built historic environment of conservation areas in need of investment. The grants can support partnerships of local, regional and national interests that aim to regenerate economically disadvantaged historic areas for the benefit of local residents, workers and visitors. Central to the TH is a common fund, the overall pot of money available for the scheme, which is made up of HLF grant and other contributions sourced by the applicant or from additional funders such as national heritage bodies, local enterprise partnerships, the environmental bodies which distribute Landfill Communities Fund monies and, pending the outcome of Brexit, the European Regional Development Fund. Since its inception, the TH/THI has funded around 250 schemes across the UK, some of which have included more than one phase of activity, with consecutive TH schemes covering different, localised areas in complex conservation areas, and where a clear need still exists for extra support to kick-start regeneration. Either through direct delivery or by giving third-party grants to others such as private owners, TH schemes can carry out structural and external repairs to buildings, repair or reinstate elements of architectural detail such as shopfronts or traditional windows and help bring vacant buildings back into use. In addition, they can deliver ‘environmental improvements’ to the public realm and support good-quality and sympathetic development in gap sites. A fundamental element of the scheme is to address public perceptions and to help bring the community together to explore and engage with their heritage so schemes also include diverse activities such as training in traditional conservation skills for contractors and trainees, maintenance days for property owners, exhibitions and open days. The application process for TH is extremely competitive (in 2017 only a third of applicants received a Stage 1 pass) and is in two rounds, although it is possible to put in a project inquiry before embarking on significant work to develop a project to ensure that it is likely to be of interest to the HLF. Stage 1 applications are reviewed annually and are determined by a national panel comprising the HLF board of trustees. A great deal of information is needed even at this outline stage and successful applicants have generally spent considerable energy and time developing an initial, compelling case for funding in their area. Many applicants seek the assistance of specialist consultants who understand how to frame applications to show the impact of a project on the HLF outcomes: ‘heritage, people and communities’. At this stage, the application outlines the heritage, social and economic need for investment, as well as the physical works and costs that would be undertaken to repair and enhance the historic area, the opportunities that will be provided for local people to learn new skills, and the activities that will be run to inspire the local community to take an interest in and get involved with their townscape heritage. Receiving a Stage 1 pass includes an identified budget being set against a prospective TH, and indicates that the HLF is interested in the project being developed further. As the Stage 2 bid process involves developing a costly, comprehensive case and detailed scheme plan for the expected five-year delivery phase, applicants can request development funding for their project, which they can use to commission specialist consultants, or cover the resourcing of staff within their organisation. WORKSOP The Worksop Bridge Street TH, which received approval in 2017, typifies many aspects of small town TH. The area selected is within the town centre’s historic core, where the overall appearance and condition of the area has an impact on the economic potential, community and investor perceptions of the town. The TH aims to enhance the historic interest of the town and help kick-start the positive, conservation-led regeneration of this and the wider area, tying in with wider regeneration work being delivered as part of the Worksop Intervention Strategy. The project focusses on the repair and reuse of historic buildings and is targeted at specific properties, enabling eligible property owners or their tenants to apply for grants for the wholesale repair of their historic buildings using traditional methods and techniques; and the reinstatement of lost architectural details (such as the replacement of traditional shopfronts or windows). This work is intended to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of the buildings and to improve the appearance of the area. Activities to develop a better understanding and awareness of the historic environment in Worksop and its communities, 128–126 Bridge Street, Worksop was originally a house, probably constructed in 1761 (the date given on a hopper), but by the early 19th century it was in commercial use and occupied by a shoemaker. Today it is a high priority project for the town’s new TH as it is in poor condition and in need of historically appropriate timber shopfronts. (Photo: Victoria Hunns) and ensure that the scheme has a lasting legacy, include engaging with young people through training in traditional construction skills, working with local schools to develop heritage education resources, promoting heritage open days, and developing other interpretation and engagement opportunities including forging strong links with the Dukeries estates, the National Trust and the large national retailers that have made Worksop their home. Now in the final year of its current Strategic Framework (2013–18), the HLF is no longer accepting applications for Stage 1 TH, although funding for area-based regeneration is still possible through its Heritage Grants programme. Looking forward, HLF is already talking to stakeholders about the content of its next strategic framework, which will hopefully give the sector the opportunity to continue to make the case for the future funding of places and for targeted interventions for townscapes. Further Information HLF, Townscape Heritage Application Guidance , 2015 (http://bc-url.com/th) Terre du Rocher, Evaluation of the Townscape Heritage Initiative: Review of 25 completed schemes in 2012 , 2013 (http://bc-url.com/thi-25) Oxford Brookes University, Townscape Heritage Initiative Schemes Evaluation , 2013 (http:// bc-url.com/thi-report ) VICTORIA HUNNS is principal heritage consultant with TDR Heritage, an independent historic environment consultancy that specialises in developing successful grant funding applications for heritage projects, with particular expertise in historic towns and places, including TH schemes and historic area appraisals. Email victoria.hunns@tdrheritage.co.uk

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