Brechin Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI)
Following on from the success of the Arbroath THI, a Townscape Heritage Initiative has been launched in the City of Brechin which will run for a period of 5 years. The project office is based within the central conservation area, in the former Registrars Office at 32 Panmure Street, Brechin.
This heritage led regeneration project will be jointly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Angus Council and Historic Scotland (Historic Environment Heritage Fund - Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme). Over the 5 year period the budget, totalling approximately £2.9 million, will be used to regenerate the city by funding several priority projects including the repair and restoration of key vacant buildings on the High Street, and the expansion of the Town House museum into the upper floors. A small amount of public realm work will also be undertaken, including the upgrading of selected closes. Grants will be available in order to assist building repairs, reinstate architectural features and bring back vacant floor space into use. Grants are awarded through a formal application process (please see downloadable documents). Funding will also be used to train contractors and a limited number of members of the public in traditional building skills.
Strong involvement of the local community is central to the success of the project and the long term sustainability of the city. This has been shown to be effective in the case of the Arbroath THI and as a result, a similar set up is being used for the Brechin THI. The THI is managed by a Project Support Group (PSG) and a Partnership Executive. Members of the community are included within the Group to ensure close public involvement. Members of the Project Support Group discuss the content of Priority Projects and also determine how the general budgets for small repairs and environmental improvements will be disbursed. The Partnership Executive has the executive power to award grants. Please note, however, that not all applications for funding will be successful due to the finite amount of funding available. Preference will be given to applications which will help meet the key aims of the townscape heritage initiative.
Project Manager, Sarah Kettles, is co-ordinating the project and is acting as the interface between the community and the Project Support Group and Partnership Executive.
For further information please contact the Project Manager on 01356 623488 or email at BrechinTHI@angus.gov.uk