Listed Building Owners’ Forum 18 November Grant-aid for Listed Buildings Brian McKervey Principal Conservation Architect : Historic Buildings Unit (South) Assistant Director : NIEA 1

Windows of Opportunity 2 20 May 2008 Heritage and Regeneration

Grant-Aid SUMMARY OF THE NEW GRANT-AID SCHEME LAUNCHED 20 MAY 2008 The revised grant-aid scheme addressed the following key areas/issues - extension of grant-aid eligibility to the majority of listed buildings in Northern Ireland (less than 50% were grant-aid eligible); An increase in the amount (i.e. percentage) of grant-aid available – not least in recognition that new build projects are zero rated for VAT. 3

Grant-Aid simplification of the grant-aid ‘regime’ (by using fewer different percentages of grant aid); targeting of grant-aid on preventative maintenance works in future years, following assessment of the preventative maintenance pilot scheme designed to help inform this strategy. 4

Why we offer grant-aid assistance to listed buildings. NIEA - aim is to protect and promote our built heritage for the appreciation of present and future generations. The NIEA grant-aid scheme has been designed to help owners meet the recognised additional costs required to repair listed buildings, and keep their special character intact. 5

Grant-Aid –B2 Grade secular listed buildings are now eligible –Grant-aid is now available at 35%. 6

Grant-Aid –B1 Grade listed secular buildings - Grant-aid has increased from 20% -to 35%. 7

Grant-Aid –B+ and A Grade churches – Grant-aid has increased from 33 1/3 % to 35%. 8

Grant-Aid –Support for Grade A listed buildings retained at 35% 9

Grant-Aid – Churches Review – on-going Ecclesiastical buildings are currently treated differently from other buildings within our legislation - they are (in effect) exempt from the normal Listed Building Consent controls as they apply to demolition, alteration or extension of a listed building. Following our public consultation, we are currently giving this issue further consideration. We will also be undertaking further consultation with Church Groups.. 10

Grant-Aid Thatched Roofs - Grant-aid available 75% original roof structures Professional Fees – 75% Enhanced grant - 90% Income Support Income based Jobseekers Allowance Guaranteed Pension Credit 11

Grant-aid – NGO Funding Funds for Buildings at Risk –£½ Million for BPTs / charities for acquisitions. 12

Grant-Aid New scheme retains existing benefits:  up front commitment to funding – without match funding  flexible approach – start dates  supports best conservation practice Extra baseline funding of £1.5million. Total grant aid budget of c £4million. 13

What is eligible? All repairs to the original fabric of a listed building. Extensions, alterations, insulation, wiring and heating are not eligible. 14

How to apply? Forms are available today. They can be downloaded from our website. You can write or telephone us for an application pack. 15

How long will it take? This depends upon the complexity of your scheme - we aim to issue ‘agreement in principle’ within six weeks of your application. 16

Do I need an architect/ building professional? Use a competent professional who has experience in the repair of historic buildings – 75% of reasonable fees are available. 17

Other initiatives Stakeholder’s Forum An Event has been arranged for early December -. 18

More detail to follow on the following issues – What is eligible – details Application to us – details of your project Procurement Requirements – tendering processes Schedule of Requirements - required standards Inspection of your Project - area Architects

Conclusion Good News –Increased Grant-aid and support is available NOW