17 September 2002
NWDA invites applications for Redundant Building Grant
Programme.
The Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) is inviting businesses
in rural Cumbria and North Lancashire to contact its Penrith Office
to see if they are eligible to apply for a Redundant Building
Grant.
The scheme, which forms part of the Agency's rural workspace
strategy, aims to bring back into use derelict or unused buildings
which can help to boost rural economies. To qualify for a grant the
premises must be in a Rural Priority Area or the National Park and
either completely unused, or unusable in their current state for
the purposes they are needed. On completion the buildings
must be used for business purposes and help to create jobs.
Iain Wilson, Rural Regeneration Manager, said,
"The restoration of redundant buildings to house new businesses and
enlarge existing ones in rural areas helps to boost the local
economy with minimum impact on the environment. It is a
longstanding initiative, which the Northwest Development Agency
would like to expand. It is therefore vital that businesses
are aware of the initiative and that good schemes come forward to
make use of the funds which are available."
Grants can meet up to 25% of the eligible costs of restoring a
building subject to a minimum grant of £2500 and a maximum of
£62,500. Most business uses are eligible but not agricultural,
horticultural, bed and breakfast or self-catering accommodation.
Applications must be made and approved before work is
started.
Further information and advice can be obtained from the NWDA's
Penrith office on 01768 867294
-ends-
For further information please contact Michael Gregory at the
Northwest
Development Agency on 01925 400132, 07980 713273 or Michael.Gregory@NWDA.co.uk