The Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) programme is designed specifically to support the regeneration of towns that have suffered serious social and economic decline, and so far in Northern Ireland has provided grants of £13million for over 20 schemes.

The THI programme encourages partnerships of local organisations to carry out repairs and other works to a number of historic buildings, structures or spaces within defined areas to aid social and economic regeneration and help to improve the quality of live for all those who live, work or visit there. In recent weeks two local THI schemes have successfully secured funding for their projects, including a £1.66million grant for the second phase works at the Walled City THI project in Derry and over £1.28million was awarded to the Portaferry THI scheme.  

The Planning Service lists 60 designated conservation areas in Northern Ireland and HLF is hoping the Seminar will attract new applicants from these areas to compete for funding at UK level. 

The Information Seminar will provide essential information about the programme, the application process and how to access further support from HLF. It will also showcase the successes achieved by previous applicants and includes a presentation from the Project Officer of the successful Walled City THI scheme. The Seminar is being held at Antrim Courthouse on Thursday 1st July 2010 from 2pm – 4pm.

HLF Development Manager, Úna Duffy, said: “In a climate of decreasing budgets and increasing competition HLF Northern Ireland are keen to support local groups compete for funding at a UK level. The Information Seminar will enable potential applicants to learn more about the programme and what it can be used to achieve and we would advise those considering making an application to the THI programme to attend.”

To register your attendance at the Information Seminar, please contact HLF at northernireland@hlf.org.uk or on 028 9031 0120. 

THI Fast Facts

• The THI programme provides grants of between £500,000 and £2million to regenerate conservation areas that display particular social and economic need.

• £13million has been invested through the THI programme to transform over 20 local townscapes.

• In Northern Ireland almost one hundred under used, dilapidated and derelict buildings have been restored to provide over 27,000sq metres of much needed community space and business units. 

• THI acts as a catalyst for further regeneration by attracting additional investment from the public and private sector.  Every £1million of HLF funding attracts £863,000 from partner organisations, making a huge impact on conserving Northern Ireland’s heritage.

• THI aids social and economic regeneration to bring a range of benefits including the creation of new employment opportunities. In Northern Ireland 244 jobs have been created through the programme.

• THI has a two-stage application process with development funding of up to £50,000 available at the first-round to help plan and prepare your scheme.

• The next deadline for applications to the programme is 30th November 2010.

Notes to editors

The Planning Service lists the 60 Conservation Areas in Northern Ireland as:

Adelaide Park, Antrim Town Centre, Ardglass, Armagh, Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Belfast City Centre, Bessbrook, Bushmills, Caledon, Carnlough, Carrickfergus, Castlewellan, Cushendall, Cushendun, Cyprus Avenue, Donaghadee, Downpatrick, Draperstown, Dromore, Enniskillen, Glenarm, Gracehill, Hillsborough, Holywood, Killough, Killyleagh, Kings, Road (Belfast), Knockdene (Belfast), Linen (Belfast), Lisburn, Lisnaskea, Londonderry (Clarendon Street), Londonderry (Historic City), Londonderry (Magee), Loughall, Lurgan, Malone, Malone Park, McMaster Street (Belfast), Merville Garden Village, Moira, Moneymore, Moy, Newry, Newtownstewart, Northland (Dungannon), Omagh, Portaferry, Queen's, Randalstown, Richhill, Rostrevor, Saintfield, Sion Mills, Somerton Road (Belfast), Strangford, Stranmillis, The Cathedral (Belfast), Whitehead

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 33,900 projects, allocating £4.4billion across the UK. Since 1994 HLF has committed £135million and made over 1100 awards to projects across Northern Ireland.

Further information

Julie Halliday, HLF Northern Ireland on 07733 100 674 or julieh@hlf.org.uk