Agenda item

Minutes:

The Committee gave consideration to a report from the Senior Growth Strategy and Projects Officer seeking approval for the Market Rasen Historic Building Grant scheme and agreement to proceed to delivery. Through the course of a presentation, Members were advised that TDR Heritage Limited had been appointed to the project, having extensive experience and having delivered similar projects across the country including the successful bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for Gainsborough’s Townscape Heritage Scheme. A steering group had been set up created from a selected group of experts, specialists within heritage led schemes, along with representatives from the Town and District Councils.

 

It was explained that a condition survey had been completed by TDR Heritage Ltd for all 69 properties in Market Rasen town centre to provide baseline data in preparation for extending the scheme and potential funding opportunities. The survey was carried out in line with Historic England guidance and for each building, there was a detailed report which included a description of the building, its historic value, summary of condition and a summary of the work required. Owing to the estimated cost of all identified work to be completed, a priority zone had been established, within which nine buildings had been identified as high priority. The level of grant funding available would be 80% for repair and 90% for reinstatement, with the remaining funding to be met by the building owners. Grants would be awarded on a first come first served basis. It was anticipated that the successful roll-out of the first phase of the scheme would also lead to future funding opportunities.

 

There was widespread support for the proposal, with Members echoing the comments made at the Prosperous Communities Committee. In response to a question regarding the 80/20 grant fund split, it was explained that there had not yet been direct conversations with property owners and, should there be need to amend the figures, that could be reviewed.

 

With Members again expressing their support for the project and their hope that it be successful, the paper was moved, seconded and with a unanimous vote it was

 

            RESOLVED that

 

a)    £200k be approved to spend on the Market Rasen Historic Building Grant scheme, and in doing so, the principles of this previous funding allocation, as set out in the report of 19 July 2018 to the Corporate Policy & Resources Committee, be rescinded; and

 

b)    a further £10,000 to be drawn down from General Fund Balances for technical support be approved.

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