Townscape Heritage Initiative
Property Grants Scheme
PLEASE NOTE – THE PROPERTY GRANTS SCHEME IS NOW CLOSED
Aims
The main aim of this part of the Project was to provide grants, at an attractive intervention rate, to enable the repair and restoration of historical and architectural detail. The grants could also be used to remove previous inappropriate works and restore original detail. They were not available for new works or works not in keeping with the historic fabric. The emphasis was very much on restoring Stornoway’s historical character.
Eligibility
All of the buildings in the THI focus area had been surveyed externally and a preliminary assessment made of what repairs/restoration works needed to done. Any buildings of post 1948 construction were deemed ineligible for grant and all the remaining buildings ranked in 3 levels of townscape importance using several criteria.
Building works were only eligible for grant if they fully met the criteria for the scheme. Guidance was given in the document Eligible Works (PDF, 56KB) .
Types of Grant
The grants were divided into two basic types – residential and business, though both were aimed at restoring historic fabric and both shared the same 70% intervention rate. The Business Grants did, however, provide separate grants for bringing redundant floorspace back into use as well as for restoring shop fronts.
The upper limit on the amount of grant per property was raised
in Year 3 to a maximum of £40,000.
Grant Applications
Decorative cast ironwork-a significant feature in Stornoway
Applications had to be made on a separate application form and be accompanied by 3 competitive tenders for the proposed works. Prospective applicants were advised to discuss their proposals with the Project Manager prior to attempting to complete the paperwork so that detailed guidance could be given. All grant applications that were approved were the subject of a formal contract with the Comhairle.
Initially all grant applications had to be approved and contracted before May 2010. Shortly before this expiry date a short extension to August 2010 was agreed.
Conclusion
A total of 22 projects were approved ranging from small repair works up to major restoration/refurbishment projects.
By May 2011 15 of these had been completed, 4 were in progress and a further 3 had yet to start. All projects have to be completed and grant payments made by May 2012.
