Administered by the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF), the Transformational Project Grants scheme is part of the AHF’s Transforming Places Through Heritage Programme. This £15 million programme funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) aims to help England’s high streets and town centres become thriving places, strengthening local communities and encouraging local economies to prosper.

Not-for-profit organisations, including charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies and parish and town councils, can apply for grant funding towards the capital costs of restoration projects that will create alternative uses for redundant or underused historic buildings in town centres.

Eligible projects should have:

  • The clear potential to deliver great examples of alternative uses and/or ownership structures and investment models, which will aid the long-term regeneration of the building and place where it is located.
  • The capability of completion within three years.
  • A positive impact on the vitality and distinctiveness of the local area, with potential to act as a catalyst for other owners and a model transferable to other places.
  • Design proposals that offer a creative and high-quality adaptation for the new use of the building, while achieving exemplary conservation standards.

Buildings must be in a high street or town centre in England that is already the focus of a wider strategy or a place-based initiative, which aims to revitalise the surrounding area. The building should also be of special architectural or historic interest and in, or transferring to, community ownership or that of a charitable/social enterprise organisation.

Grants can fund the cost of building acquisition, repair and conservation work and associated fees as well as work required to enable ‘meanwhile’ use or change of use, including services and fit-out.

More details here.