Funding Available to Preserve Local Heritage
On 2nd April, the government announced that communities in England can now apply for a share of nearly £20 million aimed at supporting the care of historic buildings and heritage sites in their regions.
The new £4.85 million Heritage Revival Fund is open for applications for projects that seek to rescue and repurpose neglected historic structures, such as theatres, department stores, and former banks. The fund will assist parish and town councils, community organisations, charities, and social enterprises in England in taking ownership of these sites for community use. The program will be managed by the Architectural Heritage Fund and will run from 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026.
Additionally, the Heritage Risk Capital Fund has made £15 million available, inviting Expressions of Interest from individuals and organisations (including parish and town councils). This fund targets the most disadvantaged areas with the goal of rescuing at-risk historic sites and buildings. It will support projects aimed at repairing and enhancing a range of heritage structures, such as shops, pubs, parks, and town halls, to benefit local communities. Successful applicants from the Expression of Interest process will be contacted by 16th May 2025, to complete a full application. Full applications will then need to be submitted by 30th May 2025.