Colwyn Bay Property Grant Scheme

COLWYN BAY PROPERTY GRANT SCHEME

Key Facts

The Background and Purpose of the Scheme

 

The Welsh Assembly Government have agreed to contribute approximately £1,700,000 towards the physical and economic regeneration of the central area of Colwyn Bay.  The grant scheme is initially programmed to operate from August 2009 until March 2012.

 

 

The Vision For The Scheme

RESTORING A VICTORIAN GEM

When D. R. Thomas visited the site in 1857, the only buildings he saw were one cottage and a toll bar.  Colwyn Bay was built using the best nineteenth century materials and workmanship to establish an exciting resort venture in a splendid coastal setting.  Broad streets of tall elegant buildings with magnificent shop fronts with spacious busy offices and apartments above and ornate cast iron canopies and street furniture, the best Victorian style

 

Regeneration of the town will aim to restore the historic and commercial quality of the place and make people want to visit and use the area with a sense of pride.

 

Grants

 

Grants are available to benefit businesses and to regenerate the prosperity of the town centre.  Colwyn Bay was initially established as a high class Victorian resort and town. The aim of the scheme is to enhance the nineteenth century distinctiveness and the environment of the town centre.  Grants will also be available for works to return vacant floor space into use.

 

 

 

The Grant Area

The grant core area and its fringes lie within the Colwyn Bay Conservation Area (see attached plan). 

 

 

Enquiries

If you are an owner or a leaseholder of a property within the grant area with a remaining term of ten years or more, please contact the Project Officer for advice and information.  The contact details are provided below: -

 

 

Peter Jones-Hughes on telephone 01492 575951, e-mail peter.jones-hughes@conwy.gov.uk

Judi Greenwood on telephone 01492 575245, e-mail judi.greenwood@conwy.gov.uk 

David Birch on telephone 01492 575254, e-mail david.birch@conwy.gov.uk

 

 

Eligible Grant Works

 

The Council will assess the overall scheme to ensure that all works essentially required to properly regenerate a property are included in the project.  These could include: -

 

• External Repairs

Structural repairs and enhancements to the building such as repairs to roofs, chimney stacks, gutters and down pipes, masonry, windows, doors and decorative detailing.

• External Restoration

Reinstatement of lost or damaged features on period properties including windows, doors, roof and wall details, verandah canopies, shop fronts and awnings.

• Internal Works

These should be required to bring vacant floor space into use and could include disabled access provision, toilet facilities and other internal work to create accommodation.

• Environmental Enhancement  Relating To Your Project

Including boundary wall/railing repair or restoration, landscaping and surfacing improvements and lighting.

 

 

Grant Levels

There is no maximum limit for each application, although the Council will take into account the potential benefit of the project and the impact on overall  availability of funds when determining a maximum level of grant assistance at its discretion.

 

• External Works:

Up to 50% with a maximum ceiling of 80% of total eligible costs.

• Internal Works or a Combination of Internal and External Works:

Up to a maximum of 50% of total eligible costs.

• Environmental Improvements

Up to a maximum of 50% of total eligible costs.

 

 

 

Deadline for Submitting Applications?

Applications can be submitted at any time before the end of the current scheme in March 2012.  All grant projects must be satisfactorily completed by that date.  Preparing and submitting grant applications earlier during the period of the grant scheme is advantageous as there are limited funds and the Council are particularly keen to assist those key vacant properties that are most in need of repair and reinstatement.

 

If the scheme is successful and subject to availability of finances, further funding to support additional projects beyond 2010 may be awarded by the Welsh Assembly Government.

 

 

If you are interested?

It is important that you contact the Project Officer for early advice.  If your project progresses you will need to appoint a qualified architect or a chartered building surveyor to deal with your application.  They will process the grant application, prepare the necessary drawings, tender and contract documentation, obtaining required consents and managing the work.  Professional fees are eligible for grant funding.

 

Conwy County Borough Council will operate the grant scheme on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government.  Grant applications should be submitted to Conwy County Borough Council who will process, consider and determine the grant submissions. Where approvals are granted for projects, the Council will also ensure that safeguards are in place to achieve a satisfactory standard and specification of works in the line with the approved application information.    

 

Conservation and Regeneration Section

Civic Offices

Colwyn Bay

Conwy

LL29 8AR

 

 

COLWYN BAY PROPERTY GRANT SCHEME

Works Eligible / Not Eligible for Grant Aid

ELIGIBLE                                                                   NOT ELIGIBLE

 

Fees:               *Professional architects                                    *Legal Fees

                         or surveyors fees                                 *Planning or building regulations fees

                        *VAT may be eligible

 

External          *Roof and Chimney repairs                   *Illuminated signs

Works:             *Repointing,rendering,stone,                *Window shutters

                         Cleaning etc.

                        *Provision/renewal of rainwater

                          goods

                        *Repairs to / replacement of

                          windows and doors

                        *Repairs to /replacement of

                          Shop fronts including traditional

                          Signs and blinds

                        *Repair or replacement of

                         architectural features

                        *Painting following other repair

                         Work

                        *Hire of scaffolding

 

Internal            *Reflooring and new floors                   *Carpets or other floor covering

Works:             *New/repairs to walls                            *Wall and ceiling covering,tiling etc

                         Including re-plastering

                        *Provision of stairs                                *Shelves, counters etc

                        *Provision/replacement of                     *Light fittings

                         essential utility services                                   *Heating units

                         including rewiring,sockets                    *Security appliances

                         and power points                               

                        *Provision of basic toilet/                      *Air conditioning/extractor fans

                         wash facilities for staff

                        *Damp proofing and timber                   *Painting where not related to

                         treatment                                            other improvements

                        *Painting following other

                         repair work

 

Conversion     *Works involved in converting                                      

Works:             vacant upper floorspace to

                         residential or office use

 

Environmental *Drainage works

Works:             *Hard surfacing for car

                         Parking etc.

                        *Walls and fences

                        *Landscaping