Ramsgate Townscape Heritage Initiative

The Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) Grant Scheme is jointly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Thanet District Council (TDC) to encourage the conservation, regeneration and enhancement of the historic buildings and street scenes that make up the distinctive character of Ramsgate's Seafront Townscape.

Monies were finally released to the scheme at the end of 2007 / beginning of 2008 and grant applications were accepted until mid May 2011, being the end of the offering period. A total of 62 grants were offered.

Those projects awarded a grant must complete their works and claim all grant money by November 2012.

The Objectives of the Ramsgate Seafront THI

The objectives of the scheme is to:

Promote the repair of historic buildings along Ramsgate Seafront using appropriate materials, detailing and workmanship.
To set an example of good practice in building conservation.
To reinforce Ramsgate's unique identity.
To raise awareness of the value and quality of the historic built environment.
To foster craft skills and the recognition of quality, natural materials.

Which Properties were Eligible?

Located along the sea-facing boundary of Ramsgate's Conservation Area, eligible properties were divided into two main sections: Priority A and Priority B (as highlighted on the Ramsgate THI Scheme Map) to enable funds to be spread fairly across the seafront townscape scheme.

Examples of what can be achieved through THI grant-aid:

Recently completed Ramsgate THI projects

Completed Margate THI projects.

What Type of Works Qualifed for a Grant?

Full details of the type of works that were eligible for support can be found in the application guidance notes. However, the main areas included:

Building repair
Reinstatement of historical architectural details
Infilling of gap sites in key frontages
Bringing vacant floor space within historic buildings back into use
Public realm work

In addition to these, there was a requirement that appropriate agents be employed for works with a value over £15,000.

Under the scheme agents were required to be ARB registered architects, RICS chartered surveyors or MICE/MIStructE chartered engineers. Their professional fees are eligible for grant assistance.

How much Grant could be Claimed?

Grant rates varied depending on the works being carried out and upon which priority area the property fell within.

The maximum grant allowance table gives an idea of the maximum level we would be able to fund.

Ramsgate Seafront THI - Maximum Grant Allowance of Grant-Eligible Works

Components	%
Roofs	40
Window repairs	30
Window replacement with the correct detailing	75
Stucco moulding	75
Masonry, exterior walls	50
Chimneys and chimney pots	75
Repointing, only when necessary	50
Balcony slabs and brackets	75
Balcony roofs, when covered by lead	60
Balcony railings, when in cast iron	60
Street level railings, when in cast iron	50
Balcony, where their have been demolished	75
Tuckpointing	75
Paint-stripping	50
Painting of render	30
Gutters and down pipes (cast iron)	50
Timber columns	50
Steps and staircases in sandstone/Portland Stone	30
Shop-fronts	50
Site facilities like containers, hoists, toilets (at the discretion of TDC)	10
Scaffolding	50
Scaffolding for chimney repair	75
Site Engineers, Structural Engineers	60