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29th April 2009, 02:19 PM
Dear BAJRites,
I was wondering whether anyone here with experience in standing building conservation could give me some ideas as to the scope of government (and other) grants available for repairs and necessary modifications (H&S related) for Listed Buildings.
The case in question, although for a variety of reasons I cannot go into much detail, is regarding a Grade II listed town house, which requires substantial repairs and modifications (for fire regulations etc) over the next coming years. The current owner of the building is unable to come up with all of the costs of these repairs.
Any thoughts or pointers much appreciated. I should point out that the building is located somewhere in England...
Many thanks for any help
rocks
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29th April 2009, 02:38 PM
Effectively there are no grants.
"Modifications for fire regulations & H&S reaons" why on earth is this neccessary.
The best advice that can be given is tell the person to appoint a conservation professional who can advise accordingly. It is the owners responcibility to keep the building in good repair and the council can force the owner to do the work. I am very sceptical about this.
As I have said before BAJR should not be a forum for free advice for developers too mean to pay
Peter Wardle
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29th April 2009, 02:39 PM
That will be one for the Federation
"Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage."
Niccolo Machiavelli
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29th April 2009, 02:42 PM
I would start with your local council and EH You could also cantact the Ancient monuments society
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29th April 2009, 02:53 PM
If they can't afford to maintain their listed building, maybe they should sell it to someone who can, particularly if these repairs are needed 'in the upcoming years'. Also highly sceptical about this.
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29th April 2009, 03:57 PM
On a slight tangent -
"if they can't afford to maintain their listed building" - Simon Thurleys excellent documentary (hmmm) on how to throw money into a giant pit... sorry... listed building, shown recently on the good old BBC should be shown as a warning to anyone even contemplating buying a listed building. Extreme example I know, but when I realise I've heard better advice on how to conserve [u]and live </u> in a listed building from Kirsty Alsop over the head of English Heritage my head starts to ache and my ears bleed.
I Love Rocks: On a more serious note, the owner may feel he sholud have a grant for taking on a listed building but realistically these measures are his resposibility and he should dig into his own pocket for them, especially if they are a point of Health and Safety compliance.
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29th April 2009, 03:57 PM
Thanks for your responses so far.
I am sorry if my original message was ambiguous or unclear.
I am not seeking advice for developers sake/ cut cost/ save money etc. The building is owned by a charitable organization which finds itself in some financial turmoil due to the current economic conditions. This organization has archaeology and heritage within its remit, yet due to the nature of its interests cannot draw on the direct advice of building conservation specialists within its membership (hence posting the question here). Due to its remit, however, the organization is naturally concerned with the conservation and protection of the property.
A professional building survey was carried out and revealed the need to carry out significant repairs and modifications to the property the organization owns and from which it derives some of its income. The repairs are necessary to safeguard the building. Since the building also contains the office space of the organization certain modifications have to be made to make the building H&S compliant.
Sale of the building is an option that is being discussed, yet for a variety of reasons that is not the most desirable option. It would deprive the organization of one of its life lines and there are other, more complex issues involved which I cannot discuss here.
Many thanks
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29th April 2009, 04:03 PM
In which case let me extend the hand of sympathy, it is a harsh situation. Unfotunately, if the charity is using the building as an office, it has a legal resposibility to its employees (and any visitors) to ensure its health and safety is up to scratch, which may mitigate against your eligibility for any of the all too scarce grant money.
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29th April 2009, 04:17 PM
@gonetopot
so if I understand you correctly, standard grants are designed for building conservation purposes only?
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29th April 2009, 04:27 PM
Not solely but applicants that offer public access as opposed to using buildings solely for offices or domestic purposes generally meet more of the eligibility criteria. Forgive me if I've misinterpreted your original posts, reading them back, I'm unclear whether parts of you building are open to the public or used for out reach/activity purposes.
