This grant will be used to restore more properties on the street including a number of Grade II listed buildings, locally listed buildings and other buildings of importance within the Conservation area. These works will be in addition to works already planned under Phase 2 of the Far Gosford Street project.

The project will build upon the success of the last round of funding which saw £1.7m lottery investment in the restoration of a number of properties alongside improvements to the highway and public spaces.

The Townscape Heritage programme was set up by the Heritage Lottery Fund to help communities improve the built historic environment of conservation areas in need of investment across the UK to benefit local residents, workers and visitors.

Cllr Lynnette Kelly, Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Employment, said: “Far Gosford Street is being regenerated into the thriving area that it once was. The additional Townscape Heritage Lottery Fund award will enable the area’s continued redevelopment, creating an attractive entry into the city centre and a new creative quarter that will welcome businesses and creative industries into Coventry. The whole street already looks dramatically different – some of the restored historic buildings look magnificent and there is a real buzz of excitement about the place. This grant funding will enable us to continue the transformation of this fine street – so it’s really good news.”

Reyahn King, Head of HLF West Midlands, said: “This is fantastic news for Coventry, and builds on the investment HLF have already made to Far Gosford Street. This is an excellent example of the type of restoration the Townscape Heritage scheme, in partnership with local authorities, can make possible, driving vital regeneration in our towns and cities.”

Phase 1 of this work has seen some very successful results. A number of vacant properties have been restored leading to a demand for more work to be done. Properties within the Conservation Area of Far Gosford Street can benefit from the grant money to fully restore and reinstate historic fabric and architectural details.

Some property owners have continued to work with the Far Gosford Street Grants Team on architectural improvement schemes and will be pleased that they can now proceed with their property restoration schemes.

Notes to editors

About the Townscape Heritage programme
The Townscape Heritage programme is for schemes which help communities improve the built historic environment of conservation areas in need of investment across the UK. HLF supports partnerships of local, regional and national interests that aim to regenerate economically disadvantaged historic areas for the benefit of local residents, workers and visitors. To date, HLF has invested over £214m regenerating towns and cities that have suffered serious social and economic decline. Grants are available from £100,000 up to £2m. For information on applying see the TH pages on the HLF website.