Townscape Heritage Initiatives
A Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) is a project which provides public money for the regeneration of historic towns. THI's are a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) initiative and they are based upon a programme of works which usually lasts five years. A THI funds the repair and re-use of buildings, helps to promote an understanding of the built heritage, and provides an opportunity for community involvement.
HLF awards a grant along with the local authority and other grant aiding bodies such as Historic Scotland which is combined to give grants to the buildings owners within the designated THI area. The THI is usually run by a Project Manager.
Angus has already completed a successful THI in Arbroath: the Arbroath Abbey to Harbour Townscape Heritage Initiative. Following the success of the Arbroath THI, Angus Council has recently started a second THI in Brechin. Information on both THI's is set out below.
Arbroath Abbey to Harbour Townscape Heritage Initiative
Arbroath Abbey to Harbour Townscape Heritage Initiative saw over £1.5m invested in Arbroath to conserve and enhance key historic buildings and sites in the burgh.
The five year project was funded through a partnership of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, Scottish Enterprise Tayside, Historic Scotland and Angus Council.
Included in the five year project were repairs to buildings, the reinstatement of architectural details, environmental improvements and the bringing back into use of vacant floor space.
Major projects included the restoration of the façade of the Webster Theatre, the conversion of the old sailcloth store at the harbour into workshops and office accommodation, and environmental improvements to the Brothock Burn and around the harbour area.
In addition thousands of pounds of grant aid was made available to owners for the repair and restoration of properties in the High Street and Kirk Square.
The Arbroath Abbey to Harbour THI won a Business Partnership Award - Certificate of Achievement through the Careers Scotland Excellence Awards 2006. This was in relation to the school DVD project undertaken with Wardykes Primary School.
The THI also received a Commendation in the Community Involvement category of the Angus Excellence Awards 2008.
The City of Brechin Townscape Heritage Initiative
Brechin's THI began in November 2007 and is already making headway with different projects within the Conservation Area. The Brechin THI has its own section on this website - www.angus.gov.uk/brechinthi.