Grants

Introduction

Grants available in Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough

The Borough Council operates a number of grant schemes which offer financial assistance towards the cost of repairing listed, and other historic buildings throughout the District. The availability of grant assistance has proved to be a useful mechanism to deliver private investment in historic buildings. Experience suggests that each pound of public investment delivers six pounds of private investment which may otherwise not have occurred. Conservation grants also ensure that repair work carried out to historic buildings is of the highest standard. 

This direct investment in historic buildings can have more significant long term benefits for the local economy, particularly where area based grant schemes have been implemented over a number of years, such as the Heritage Economic Regeration Schemes (HERS) Conservation Area Partnership Schemes (CAPS) in Shrewsbury. Sustained conservation work over the last 20 years has helped to maintain the towns vitality and viability as a place to live, work and visit.

The schemes and guidance notes for each grant are set out on the relevant web page. At present, the funding regime only allows for one application, per property, per year. Professional fees are only eligible if the agent, who should be a member of a relevant professional institute, is providing the full service, which includes the supervision of the contract. A contribution towards the cost of VAT will also be made unless the applicant is able to recover VAT.

Building Conservation Grant:  Repairs and enhancement works to buildings in Mardol, St Michael's Street, Castle Foregate, Wyle Cop, St Julian's Friars, Frankwell, New Street, The Square and Princess Street

Historic Buildings Grant : Repairs to listed buildings outside the Town Centre Conservation Area

Conservation Enhancement Grant:  Repairs and enhancement works to buildings and open spaces within Conservation Areas

General Historic Building Grants

There are several sources of funding available for the conservation of historic buildings, including grant aid and loans. The principal national sources are as follows:

• English Heritage, which offers grants for repairs to buildings judged to be of outstanding national interest, generally grade I or II*, and also for buildings at risk.
• The National Heritage Memorial Fund offers grants for the repair and refurbishment of buildings of outstanding interest and importance to the national heritage. This can include important buildings at regional and local level.
• The Architectural Heritage Fund operates a revolving fund for the preservation of historic buildings, by way of loans to Building Preservation Trusts. It also provides information on identifying other sources of funding.

The Borough Council will support and promote applications to the national grant aiding agencies, particularly larger projects, in order to maximise available funding for conservation work.

Community Projects related to preserving local Heritage - Local Heritage Initiatives, Countryside Agency, Awards for All, Heritage Lottery Fund.