Padiham Townscape Heritage Initiative Secure Heritage Lottery Fund Support

28 January 2016

Burnley Council is delighted to announce it has received initial support for the Padiham Townscape Heritage Initiative bid, from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the Padiham ‘Crafting the Future’ project.

The council submitted a bid into the HLF Townscape Heritage fund last year for funding to transform a substantial area of the Padiham town centre conservation area – an area of Victorian buildings, which includes 40 buildings along Burnley Road at the heart of Padiham, which are predominantly in retail use.

The Council has been awarded a first round pass offering a development grant of up to £48,200.00 towards the development of the Padiham Townscape Heritage Scheme. The first round pass means that money has been set aside by the HLF for the Padiham Scheme and gives the green light to progress plans to apply for the full grant.

The full grant involves a 5 year programme bid for £1.45million to breathe new life back into the heart of Padiham through five separate programmes:

•              Physical Works to Buildings – Grants to property owners to cover a fixed percentage of the costs of repairs to the exterior, reinstatement and restoration of historic features

•              Public Realm Scheme – £250,000 public realm scheme to include decluttering of street furniture and signage; new pavement treatments; pavement widening; public art; replacing lamp posts; and introducing a 20mph zone

•              Education and Engagement Programme – Working with local partners including the Gawthorpe Textile Collection and the Padiham Archive to deliver a programme of engagement with Heritage

•              Heritage/Conservation Skills Programme – delivering a series of training days targeting local contractors, crafts people and apprentices

•              Project Management and Evaluation – managed by a dedicated THI Officer

Burnley Council Deputy Leader, John Harbour said: “The great news from the HLF that we have been awarded a first round pass for Padiham’s ‘Crafting the Future’ project couldn’t have come at a better time, after the recent floods which caused significant disruption in Padiham Town Centre.

“The town has bounced back from the floods with great passion and resilience and it will be a great injection of confidence for the future for them that we have reached this positive stage towards securing substantial funding for the transformation and conservation works to the historic town centre buildings.

Adding: “Padiham has a lovely market town feel with some stunning architecture. There are some great specialist shops in Padiham and funding which will bring the buildings and heritage back into full economic use will greatly enhance the town centre, build on the civic pride in the area, and bring many new visitors and shoppers to the town in the future. It’s a very positive step towards transforming Padiham’s future.

Heritage Lottery Fund Chair, Sir Peter Luff, said: “Historic town centres are the beating heart of communities, so where they fall into disrepair, the community pays a heavy price. Research shows that this can be changed and that even small changes – improving shop fronts or restoring architectural features – can make a real difference.

“That’s what the Townscape Heritage Scheme does so successfully, providing a boost for local economies, with vital employment and training opportunities, start-up spaces for small businesses and enhanced public spaces for residents and visitors.

“Townscape Heritage funding has made a huge difference to communities across the UK and this is only possible thanks to National Lottery players.”

Over the next 12 months the council will progress plans to apply for the full grant and submit to the second round for the full grant. Our second submission has to be submitted by the 28th February 2017.

For more information contact Joanne Etherington, PR Officer, Burnley Council, 01282 477315

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