An Art Deco theatre in Stockton and a scheme to unite a 12th-century church with a 17th-century coaching inn are among the first recipients of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Heritage Enterprise grant scheme, recently announced.
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is providing more than £12 million of UK-wide funding that will transform five important but neglected historic buildings back to commercial use, creating economic growth in five local areas and an estimated 230 full-time-employment jobs by attracting private investment. This is part of a wider investment of at least £125 million over the next five years.
The scheme is aimed at funding the repair costs for historic buildings, encouraging private developers to work with local community organisations to deliver commercially viable and attractive places to live and work. Initial research for the scheme was published as ‘New ideas need old buildings’ earlier this year.
Dame Jenny Abramsky, Chair of HLF, said: ‘In almost every town and city there is at least one historic building standing empty that at one time was at the heart of the local community. Whilst much-loved, these buildings present huge financial challenges. This new scheme works to unlock the potential of these precious old buildings, encouraging private investors and encouraging regeneration. The result is good for us all – substantial economic growth, much-needed new jobs and a wonderful part of our heritage saved from further neglect.’
