Regenerating Historic High Streets Through Heritage Action Zones

A £95 million government-funded High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme being delivered by Historic England is unlocking the potential of high streets across England, fuelling economic, social and cultural recovery.

Grants are already available in Shropshire and Northamptonshire and business owners with property in Oswestry or Kettering town centre could be eligible for funding.

The four-year programme to deliver physical improvements to high streets encourages partnerships with local authorities, community groups, Business Improvement Districts and chambers of commerce.

Phoebe Farrell, Heritage Consultant and Head of Heritage and Conservation with Berrys, said funding rates vary according to area and type of grant with a focus on frontages, historic buildings and traditional craftsmanship and design.

All work must be advised by an accredited professional in historic buildings so as a member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation Phoebe can help with an application.
She has experience in delivering and preparing Lottery and Historic England funding so understands the processes from the inside.

“We can support throughout the whole process from an initial enquiry to managing the work on site as a registered architects practice alongside our team of in-house chartered surveyors and registered town planners,” said Phoebe.

“Professional fees, statutory fees such as planning and building regulations and VAT are all eligible for funding.”

The scheme reflects the changing nature and role of high streets to better meet local need perhaps through reducing retail space and increasing residential use.

Historic buildings can be converted into alternative uses with smaller works such as repairs to windows, rooves, joinery, masonry, render all being eligible for funding.

“Grant rates differ according to areas. For example, Oswestry HSHAZ offers grants of up to 60 per cent for shopfront work, and in Kettering shopfront work attracts a grant of up to 80 per cent,” Phoebe said.

“The application process starts with an Expression of Interest which if successful moves to submission of full grant application.

“We can help with applying for necessary statutory consents such as planning permission, listed building consent, building regulations and tendering for the minimum three competitive quotes from contractors. We can also manage the project on-site once work commences.

“The grant will be paid in stages and Berrys can oversee the contract and grant administration to smooth the process.”

Berrys was a partner in the original submission of the Kettering HSHAZ bid and is now working with Kettering Borough Council, Historic England and clients to deliver exciting new projects in Kettering town centre having negotiated grant funding beneficial for all parties.

Business owners in Oswestry and Kettering are urged to contact Berrys now to see if they are eligible for this grant funding to improve their town centre properties.

Find out more about our Heritage Consultants and the services we can provide, contact Phoebe Farrell at the Shrewsbury office of Berrys on 01743 267067, or email phoebe.farrell@berrys.uk.com