SFF delivery round applications

Community Archaeology Project – Engaging Communities with their local heritage

Applicant: The Queen’s University of Belfast Foundation

Project Summary: The Community Archaeology Project Northern Ireland (CAPNI) focuses on the regionwide promotion, engagement and skills development of all aspects of community archaeology. The central aim is to target new audiences and those experiencing physical and mental health challenges with the aim of improving wellbeing. It will deliver an extensive activity programme supporting learning, skills development including field surveys, excavations, archaeology festivals, heritage walks and a school engagement programme.

Decision: Award Delivery grant of £551,753 (77% of total project costs)

St Comgalls old school – interpreting the heritage of Divis and the Falls

Applicant: Falls Community Council Limited

Project Summary: Falls Community Council seek to establish a ‘visitor heritage exhibition space’ inside the newly opened St Comgall’s grade B1 listed building. The building has served the community in many ways through the years as a school, a community recreation facility, and an unemployment resource centre. A working group was established to explore what the interpretive space would become. The heritage to be explored is likely to be of interest to a wide range of people and will tell the story of St Comgalls and the Falls Road whilst providing new training and development opportunities.  

Decision: Award Delivery grant of £817,928 (82% of total project costs) to include uplift of £43,128

Friends of Glenock exploring and restoring and retaining our heritage in Newtownstewart area

Applicant: St Columb’s Diocesan Trust

Project Summary: This project will restore the listed Grade B+ St Eugene’s Church originally built in 1785. Applicant will work in collaboration with other heritage assets in the rural area to coordinate a broad range of activities. The activities strand will look also at local cultural heritage of the area alongside nature and biodiversity. The project will create formal and informal educational opportunities in a socio-economically deprived area, with the aim to improve wellbeing.

Decision: Award Delivery grant of £812,575 (48% of total project costs) to include uplift of £124,084

SFF development round applications

Steeple Park Revitalisation

Applicant: Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Project Summary: Steeple Park is a historic Garden Demesne c30 acres and contains a 10th century Monastic Steeple tower 35m tall, as well as a Grade B+ listed mansion house. The parkland references monastic heritage dating back to 350AD. The aim to revitalise and open up a much under used park and reconnect through the wider community in tandem with the refurbishment of Steeple House which will be undertaken by the Council. The activities will look at the historical, archaeological and biodiversity opportunities that exist including the provision of a floating boardwalk over what is a wetlands area.

Decision: Award Development grant of £343,882 (70% of total eligible development costs), and potential delivery grant of £3,542,810 (70%) 

Every Story Matters

Applicant: The Verbal Arts Centre (Northern Ireland) Limited

Project Summary: The repair and restoration of the Verbal Arts building built in 1894 which sits within the historic area of the Derry/Londonderry walls. Redevelopment of the present business model into a multifunctional facility, to include office space, meeting areas, event space and the arts. To reimagine public use and to create diverse workshops for both formal and informal educational opportunities.

The Committee for Northern Ireland rejected the application.

Nature Narratives: Sharing Stories For A Better Future

Applicant: Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful

Project Summary: A suite of eight environmental stories using storytelling resources of film, community events and roadshows across twelve areas within Northern Ireland. Culminating in the 25th Anniversary Community Summit and Environment Exhibition in 2025. The project’s aim is that a wider range of people will be involved and engaged. as well as to encourage learning, access and the development of skills.

The Committee for Northern Ireland rejected the application.