Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI)

What is the THI?

Heritage Fund Logo Dartford Borough Council has been successful in the bid for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund for a Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI).

The THI is funded jointly by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Dartford Borough Council. The scheme is an opportunity to work with traders and residents to manage change in the trading situation, improve the general perception of Dartford town centre to one of a thriving local centre once more, and improve the potential retail offer.

The scheme operates in the Town Centre Conservation Area which extends from East Hill to West Hill, but is mainly centred around the High Street, Hythe Street and Spital Street.

Call for Historical Photos

Do you have any old pictures/photographs of Buildings in Dartford Town Centre?

If so, we would like to obtain a copy for our reference. We will return originals. Please contact us on (01322) 343527 or thi@dartford.gov.uk.

Eligible Properties

There are currently 47 identified properties which are potentially eligible for grant aid under the THI scheme. These properties include non-listed buildings, listed buildings and target properties for the grant scheme. Officers and valuers have considered all of the buildings in the Conservation Area, and have assessed the type of grant for which they are eligible. Eligibility will also be based on buildings with visible options to restore original/ local distinct features.

To find out if your property is eligible for grant aid, or to find out which type of grant has been considered appropriate for your property, please contact a member of the THI project team at Dartford Borough Council.

What are the Grant Rates?

The Grant scheme will offer grants of up to 80% of costs for reinstatement of historic features and up to 70% of costs for repair to the building. Re-use of vacant floorspace offers up to a 100% grant for works.

These rates are moderated by any increase in value in the property as we are required by law not to allow public funds to be used for the profit of private companies or individuals.

All grants are subject to contractual terms set out in the application and guidance notes.

Eligible Works

Building Repair

To repair the structure and external envelope of the eligible buildings.

The largest proportion of eligible costs falls into this category, and awards of grant aid will be prioritised in favour of targetted buildings.

Reinstatement of Features

To reinstate in whole or part, any lost architectural features.

It is anticipated that the most likely to be reinstated are traditional windows, doors, rainwater goods and decorative elements on facades

Bringing vacant floor space back into use

Financial help is proposed for the cost of conversion to residential, linked to schemes for repair and reinstatement. Grant support will be given to cover the 'conservation deficit' – the difference between the cost of conversion (and where necessary the repair, including exterior and interior work) and the value when converted. To qualify for funding, the currently vacant floor space scheme has to meet the following criteria:

It must have been vacant for a provable minimum period of 12 months.
It must be a different 'planning use class' than residential to justify being classified as a conversion.
The conversion must not compromise the historic value of the building (as controlled through the Planning and Listed Building Consent processes).