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

V17.04.2007

 

All quotations and invoices needed to be separated into grant-eligible and not grant-eligible works.

 

Please note:

We were unable to offer grants retrospectively, so applications and grants had to have been received and approved before works commenced.

 

Copies of the application form and guidance notes for THI scheme can be obtained from the links below or by contacting the Project Technician.

 

For specific advice or site visits, please contact the Project Officer.

 

Heritage Lottery Fund

Maureen O'Connor

Project Officer

 

E-mail:

Maureen.OConnor
@thanet.gov.uk

 

Tel: 01843 577685

 

Tanya Carr

Project Technician

 

E-mail:

Tanya.Carr@thanet.gov.uk

 

Tel: 01843 577297