News
07/11/2011
Ballymoney Regeneration Company seeks the views of stakeholders on the £2.8 million heritage-led regeneration of Ballymoney’s historic town centre
As part of the Ballymoney Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) Project Development phase, the Ballymoney Regeneration Company (BRC) in partnership with Ballymoney Borough Council invited stakeholders, including owners of potentially eligible properties, to attend a Consultation Meeting held at the Town Hall on Tuesday 8th November. The meeting was well attended by over 30 stakeholders who were provided with a detailed presentation on the proposed heritage-led regeneration of the Ballymoney Conservation Area by Nick Brown, the recently appointed THI Project Officer. BRC is currently seeking the views of stakeholders as to how the scheme may best achieve its heritage-led regeneration objectives and maximise the benefits to the local economy, local businesses and the local community.
Earlier this year the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) announced its support for BRC’s heritage-led proposals for the regeneration of the historic town centre and set aside £1.34 million through the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) programme. Ballymoney THI is focused on the repair, restoration and in some cases adaptation of up to 27 historic buildings to accommodate sustainable new uses and to help reinvigorate the town’s historic centre. The HLF award includes Project Development funding of £50,000 to enable more detailed proposals to be developed. BRC and its team of appointed conservation consultants, WDR & RT Taggart, now has until April 2012 to submit the second-round submission of fully developed proposals, in order to secure the full THI award.
The proposed Ballymoney THI scheme is focussed on the commercial heart of the town which contains a significant number of historic buildings and structures that contribute to Ballymoney’s special townscape character. It offers the opportunity to bring back into sustainable use some of the currently redundant or underused historic buildings on Victoria Street, Main Street, High Street and Diamond. A programme of activities will also be developed to encourage local people to learn about and become involved in the heritage of their area. It will provide opportunities for employment, education and learning, and for training in traditional building skills.
Subject to HLF approval of the second-round submission, the Ballymoney Townscape Heritage Initiative is programmed to commence autumn 2012 and be completed by the end of summer 2017.
