The go-ahead has been given for a £1.418m major conservation scheme to improve dozens of older timber framed buildings in Northwich town centre.
The Heritage Lottery Fund has confirmed a grant of £839,000 to Cheshire West and Chester Council for the Northwich Townscape Heritage project. It will be supported by £231,000 of funding from Cheshire West and Chester Council, £333,000 from the private sector and £20,000 from Northwich Town Centre BID.
The bid for the money was developed with the help of a Steering Group with members including Cheshire West and Chester Council, the Northwich and District Heritage Society, Northwich Independent Retailers Association, the Northwich Town Centre BID, Groundwork CLM, Cheshire Museums Service and The Canal & River Trust.
Councillor Brian Clarke, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Infrastructure, said: “This project is fantastic news for the people and businesses of Northwich town centre.
“I am delighted that the green light has been given to a project which will promote the heritage and the history of the buildings to residents, visitors and businesses.
“This announcement compliments the major regeneration works which are already underway in the town and will preserve the historic setting of Northwich for generations to come.”
Sarah Hilton, Head of HLF North West, said:” Northwich’s historic buildings give the town a special character and provide a tangible connection to the development of salt mining and chemical industries in the town.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, our investment brings a timely boost to the town centre, ensuring that Northwich’s heritage will play an important role in its regeneration.”
The project will support conservation works to the older timber framed buildings through a grant support programme.
It will also support heritage activities including heritage talks and tours, family days, special history sessions for schools, workshops on the management and maintenance of the timber framed buildings, a web site and development of a heritage app to support residents and visitors wanting to explore the history of the town and other Heritage Lottery Fund – supported projects in the area.
