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| St Andrew's House after building repair |
This scheme is aimed at works to buildings in single ownership, or works to individual flats in a tenement which does not require a full Tenement Scheme to be carried out.
The grant programme incorporates three categories, and projects may qualify for one, two or all three, depending on the items of work being proposed. The three categories are:
a.) Building Repair
This grant is intended to create an opportunity to restore and repair the exterior of a property using traditional building materials and methods. Items of work which are eligible for grant under this category include:
How much is available?
Up to 50% of the total eligible costs, up to a maximum of £5,000 per building.
b.) Re-instatement of Architectural Detail
This category of grant is aimed at restoring architectural details on the exterior of buildings. This could include:
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Replacing modern double glazed windows with timber sash and case
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Replacing inappropriate modern doors with more traditional styles
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Re-instating lost pieces of carved stonework
How much is available?
Up to 70% of the total eligible costs, up to a maximum of £7,500 per building.
c.) Re-use of Vacant Historic Floorspace
These grants help owners meet the costs of bringing long-term vacant floorspace back into use. These can be totally vacant buildings, or unused upper floors above shops. In order to qualify for this category, the space must have been out of use for at least three years. Elements of work which qualify under this category might include:
How much is available?
Up to 70% of the total eligible costs, up to a maximum of £7,500 per building.
What projects have been completed so far?
One project has been completed with assistance from all three categories in this grant programme. This is at St Andrew’s House, 34 High Street, an A-listed former coaching inn last in use as a Church of Scotland Nursing Home. Having lain empty for a number of years, the property was restored and converted to housing for affordable rent by Hillcrest Housing Association in partnership with East Lothian Council. Elements of the work which were grant-aided by the THI were:
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Reroofing in Burlington slate from Cumbria (closest match available for Scotch slate)
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Repair works and/or replacement of sash and case windows
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Replacement of lead weathering on the front porch
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Removal of vegetation and subsequent repair works to stone boundary walls
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Repointing in lime mortar on all elevations
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Removal of cement render and repair/replacement of stonework on East and South gables
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Repointing of stonework on East and South gables with lime mortar
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Installation of imtumescent wallpaper and paint to meet fire-proofing standards
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Works to repair and protect original historic features (cornicing and fireplaces in ground-floor rooms)
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Formation of a new door and entrance steps to meet fire escape regulations
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Installation of safety balustrades where required.
A second project recently went on site under this category, at St Anne’s Episcopal Church in the town. This small project is receiving a grant from the Building Repair and Re-instatement of Architectural Detail categories to carry out repair works to two stained glass windows in the church. Work has already started on site, with the stained glass artist taking templates of the intricate tracery windows to allow him to create the replacement windows.
What projects are being proposed in the future?
No specific projects have been targeted for this grant programme and potential applicants for small repair schemes are encouraged to contact the THI Project Officer to discuss their project.
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