Townscape Heritage Initiative Phase 2 (2003 to 2006)

• Location: Stonehouse: Plymouth, South West
• Grant awarded: £450,000
• Total eligible project cost: £1,740,000
• Type of heritage: Historic buildings and public realm

To carry out a second phase of Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) based in the Stonehouse area of Plymouth, awarding third-party grants for repair and re-use of historic buildings and public spaces, particularly social housing, as part of a wider regeneration programme.

The latest package covers a range of improvements including environmental works, social regeneration initiatives, rescue programmes for buildings at risk and explores ways to bring them back into economic use to support the area's regeneration. There are two critical projects in the programme, one of which has already been resolved.

The THI phase 2 programme will serve to help initiate and support other complementary regeneration initiatives that are set within the context of emerging plans such as the Mackay Vision, the Millbay Area Action Plan (Local Development Framework), the Local Transport Plan 2, and the Stonehouse and West Hoe Study.

The wider regeneration initiatives supported by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and Local Transport Plan programmes demonstrates that there is a renewed confidence in both the business and residential community that the area is worth investing in and possibly a response to the significantly enhanced physical appearance of the environment.

Introducing concepts such as the Home Zone to serve the neighbourhood will serve to meet significant targets for transport such as reducing traffic speeds as well as provide a better quality of life and environment for residents and businesses.

In addition to the Stonehouse Regeneration Forum the THI partnership team have an excellent working relationship with ‘Stonehouse Action’, an over-arching community organisation for Stonehouse and this has led to many more community focused and community led  public realm projects being developed, in particular the Home Zone.

This should not however invite a complacent attitude as there are still major problems with Service Delivery which, as a ‘succession funding’ issue will be addressed through the preparation of the ‘Stonehouse and West Hoe Study’ commissioned by Stonehouse Action and English Partnerships. It is hoped that potential projects arising out of the study will provide a case for complementary funding through the Safer, Stronger Community Fund (SSCF) and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF).

Housing Sector projects

The THI Phase 2 programme continues to work in partnership with the Social and Housing Services. The principal objectives will be to reduce further the number of long term empty homes in Stonehouse and encourage private owners and housing associations to invest in buildings at risk. Already, one critical project has been implemented and involved a significant grant contribution from the Housing Corporation, which saved a large redundant warehouse building to the rear of Union Street. Two other empty homes have also been saved. The area's historic buildings continue to be vulnerable and the introduction of new residential use provides a welcome complement to the Council's 'Housing For People' investment programme as well as the commercial improvement and NRF grant programmes.

Commercial Sector projects

Likewise, the THI Phase 2 programme is actively seeking owners of the commercial historic buildings to invest in building repairs especially where they are perceived to be ‘at risk’ and offer opportunities for bringing vacant floorspace back into use, and job creation is an output. Already, five grant offers ‘in principle’ have been made and one premises is currently being refurbished. Not all target buildings at risk may result in grant aided projects and the Council is exploring alternative options such as exercising its powers under Section 215 Notice of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. However, with regard to the critical project in this category, positive discussions are being held with interested parties following the commissioning of a Condition and Valuation Report paid for by the South West of England Regional Development Agency.

Public Realm projects

Excellent progress has been made on the four individual public realm projects being delivered in Stonehouse including detailed design work, consultation, tendering and implementation. All four schemes should be completed by December 2005. English Partnerships has made contributions to two of the public realm projects. The other principal funding partners are the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, Local Transport Plan and the European Regional Development Fund (Objective 2).

Public Realm projects include the reinstatement of historic railings in Caroline Place and commercial railings in Emma Place. A pedestrian - friendly paving scheme in Union Street was completed in 2004 and a Home Zone (Adelaide Park) which is currently being implemented in two phases.

As of August 2005, the Common Fund for THI Phase 2 (£1,740,000 including the HLF grant) is approximately 50% spent and a further 25% committed to specific projects.

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