Heritage Enterprise UK is a funding program by The National Lottery Heritage Fund aimed at promoting economic growth through investment in heritage assets. It targets enterprising community organizations and commercial entities partnering with community groups to rescue neglected historic buildings and sites, returning them to viable, productive use.
Objectives:
- Bridge the funding gap (conservation deficit) preventing historic assets from being restored and used commercially.
- Encourage private sector involvement alongside community organizations.
- Demonstrate that investing in heritage benefits business and the economy.
- Support heritage-led regeneration projects, especially in economically disadvantaged areas.
- Prioritize projects involving heritage assets at risk and formally designated (e.g., listed buildings, scheduled monuments).
Target Beneficiaries:
- Not-for-profit organizations (charities, trusts, community groups, local authorities, faith organizations).
- Partnerships between commercial and not-for-profit organizations, with either able to be the lead applicant.
- Private sector involvement is encouraged but not mandatory.
Key Features:
- Grants range from £250,000 to £5 million.
- Two-phase application process: Development phase (planning, surveys, viability appraisal) and Delivery phase (full project implementation).
- Funding covers purchase, essential conservation, repairs, adaptations, fit-out, training, research, professional fees, and project management.
- Applicants must demonstrate how their project aligns with four investment principles: saving heritage, protecting the environment, inclusion/access/participation, and organizational sustainability.
- Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest before full application.
- Contribution from applicants is required: minimum 5% for grants up to £1 million, 10% for grants above £1 million.
- Developer’s return capped at 15% of capital costs to ensure public benefit outweighs private gain.
- Projects must be completed within five years and demonstrate sustainable economic use.
- Priority given to projects in areas of economic disadvantage and those involving heritage assets at risk.
- The grant contract lasts up to 10 years post-completion, with conditions on asset disposal and repayment.
Application Process:
- Submit Expression of Interest to be invited for full application.
- Development phase application to prepare detailed plans, viability appraisal, and conservation plan.
- Delivery phase application with detailed project proposals, costs, and management plans.
- Assessment based on heritage relevance, project risks, investment principles, and sustainability.
- Decisions made by regional committees with a 12-week assessment period.
- Full guidance and support resources are provided by the Heritage Fund.
This program is designed to unlock the economic potential of heritage assets by supporting projects that combine heritage conservation with sustainable commercial use, benefiting communities and the wider economy.
