Givan launches funding scheme to help realise the value of our Heritage

Communities Minister Paul Givan, MLA today launched the Historic Environment Fund in the historic surroundings of Campbell College.

This fund seeks to support and encourage a wide range of actions and initiatives to conserve and realise the potential of our historic environment. Following a public consultation the framework for the Fund has been organised under four themes: Heritage Repair; Heritage Regeneration; Heritage Revival and Heritage Research.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister said: “I am delighted to be at Campbell College in this fine listed building to launch what is an important initiative for my Department and to encourage organisations to apply for funding before the closing date of 10 October 2016.

“The Historic Environment Fund (HEF) draws together a number of funding streams which are available to support our heritage. This ranges from listed building repairs; to support for communities to investigate their archaeology; enables councils to encourage maintenance activities; schools to help them visit Monuments in State Care; and, communities to regenerate historic monuments in their local area.”

The Minister continued: “My intention is that this support will help stimulate action right across the historic environment. Our heritage is a finite resource, as well as a source of great pride with huge potential to contribute to our economy through tourism and the construction industry. It is vital that we work together across all possible routes to ensure that this legacy is protected, valued and highlighted to achieve its maximum potential.”

Further information on how to apply to the Fund is available from the Department for Communities website.

Notes to editors: 

1. The Historic Environment Fund has been set up to stimulate action to support and sustain vibrant communities and a strong economy through realising the significant, ongoing value of our historic environment. The budget set for the Fund for this financial year (to 31 March 2017) – around £500,000 – reflects the extent of works that are likely to be possible in the time period. Budgets for future years will be determined through the budgeting process.

2. The following streams of funding are open for applications:         Heritage Repair - this aims to encourage sustainability and the preservation of the historic environment. Routes open this year are:

• Historic Monument Repair
• Listed Building Repair

  Heritage Regeneration - this aims to strengthen and improve the physical environment and foster the positive identity of places among local communities. It also aims to support third sector capacity and regeneration initiatives. Routes open this year are:

• Historic Monument Regeneration
• Preservation of Heritage at Risk
• Community Enterprise Catalyst

  Heritage Revival - this aims to promote the social value of our historic environment and the innate contribution this can make to wellbeing and sustainable employment. Routes open this year are:

• Community Archaeology Support
• Maintenance Week Catalyst
• Historic Environment Schools Transport
• Historic Environment Awards Support

  Heritage Research – Applications for this funding stream are not open this year pending the development of a research strategy to guide allocation. Further details will be announced in due course. 

3. Funding in most cases is limited to the current financial year and will be allocated based upon applications received by the deadline of 10 October.

4. Follow us on Twitter @CommunitiesNI

5. Media enquires to DfC Press Office on 028 9082 9267 or email press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk.  Out of hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

Share this page