CONSERVATION AREA REGENERATION SCHEMES (CARS) IN MORAY

Posted on 26 August 2013

ELGIN

Last Tuesday (13th August 2013) saw the launch of the Elgin Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS). This £3.3 million scheme will run until March 2018. The scheme will aid with the cost of external repairs to traditional buildings within the Conservation Area. Funding is available on a first come, first served basis and grants will be offered at a maximum of 50% towards the eligible costs, with the balance to be funded by the building owners. 

Eligible works include:

• Traditional shopfront repairs and improvements
• Sash and case windows
• Cast iron rainwater goods
• Stonework repairs, repointing and traditional renders
• Doors & external joinery
• Re-roofing in traditional materials
• Repair or renewal of lead work
• Chimney repairs

Items such as routine maintenance and redecoration, conversions or alterations, interior fitting out or renewal of services will not qualify for this grant aid.

The application process for the small grants scheme comprises of three stages. Applicants and/or their agents are encouraged to contact the Elgin CARS Officer Kirsty Conti on 01343 563656 or kirsty.conti@moray.gov.uk and visit the website. 

Should you wish any assistance with a possible application please do not hesitate to contact our Chartered Architect Susan Longmuir on 01343 890400 or susan@bowlts.com.

FORRES

A suite of four documents hoping to help pave the way for the regeneration of Forres High Street are now available to view online.

The detailed documents – the Forres Conservation Area Appraisal, Management, Action and Interpretation Plans - were created by a team of experts led by local architect and heritage consultant Andrew Wright in response to the priorities identified in the Moray Economic Strategy and in terms of promoting the area’s heritage and attracting tourists.

The work aims to assist in attracting and retaining visitors, regenerating Forres High Street and enabling full use to be made of the rich heritage experience that the town has to offer.

The draft Conservation Area Appraisal documents are available from the Moray Council website. 

KEITH

In Keith, a similar regeneration project is already underway with the Keith Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (Keith CARS). This heritage led project will see repairs being undertaken to key buildings, with a grant scheme to assist property owners to repair traditional shop fronts, sash and case windows, cast iron rainwater goods and other external repairs. Further aspects of the project includes traditional skills training and education activities.

More information on the Keith project is available from the Keith CARS website.