Grant funding on offer for repairs to heritage buildings

Owners of heritage assets are reminded they may be eligible for government funding under the Repair Grants for Heritage at Risk scheme.

Grant funding is available to support individuals and organisations with urgent repair work intended to reduce the risk of loss or damage to important architectural, archaeological or landscape features.

Focusing on sites on the Heritage at Risk Register, any project looking to obtain grant funding should meet at least one of the following two National Priorities:

• Significant elements of the historic environment at risk.
• Activities that strengthen the ability of the sector to reduce or avoid risk to the historic environment by understanding, managing and conserving.

Applications will also be assessed on the following:

• the work which is needed (examples include project development work, work to standing structures, work to sites with buried remains and work to parks and gardens)
• how best the project would be carried out to achieve the necessary outcomes
• the amount of grant needed

It will also be necessary to demonstrate that efforts have been made to explore alternative sources of funding – charitable, public and private.

An application can be made at any time in the year and will be handled by the local Historic England office.

Anyone looking to make an application is advised to consult with their local Historic England office before and during the application.

While sites on the Heritage at Risk Register are the main focus of the scheme, it may be possible to obtain funding for other projects too.

It will be necessary to own the property or to have a full repairing lease with at least 21 years remaining. However, it may also be possible to obtain funding if you do not yet have control of the property but can demonstrate you will be acquiring it or taking on a lease of 21 years or more.

It is important to note that any grant will have conditions attached and it will be necessary to sign a contract with Historic England. A successful applicant will also have to follow Historic England’s Procurement Regulations. Other conditions can include a public access requirement.

For grants up to £200,000, conditions will apply for ten years from the date of the final grant payment. For grants of over £200,000, this is a fifteen-year period.

Strutt & Parker’s Building Surveying Team is well placed to advise on applying for grant funding and assisting in discussions with Historic England. Funding is also available for other project costs including professional fees. Contact Alexander Macfarlane for more details.