Foxlowe handed nearly £7k towards repair work

A PROMINENT town centre building continues to receive the support of councillors.

The Foxlowe Arts Centre in Leek has been awarded a further £6,735 towards work on the building which overlooks the Market Place.

At the last meeting of the Moorlands Partnership Board, which is run by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, members approved the grant for repair work.

Presenting the application to councillors, regeneration officer Joanne Brooks, said: “A further grant application has been received from the Foxlowe Arts Centre for the repair of the East extension dated (1834 – 1919).

“The works consist of render repairs, joinery repairs to sash windows, rationalisation of rainwater goods and the repair of timber soffits.

“The listed property is used for a café, arts centre, cultural and creative hub and venue for local events. It provides a thriving centre for arts related projects within the centre of Leek.”

The Foxlowe has benefited from two previous grant awards from the Board, £4,000 in 2018 for roof repairs and £8,000 in 2019 for render and window repairs to the rear.

Ms Brooks added: “Two estimates have been received for the works, the lowest of which totals £8,980.

“Members of the Board are recommended to approve a 75 per cent grant of £6,735 towards the cost of eligible works totalling £8,980 (exc of VAT).”

The work will be subject to the standard grant scheme conditions and the following technical conditions:

Colour scheme for render, rainwater goods and windows to be agreed with the regeneration officer;

All new rainwater goods to be in cast iron;

Any replacement joinery details to match the existing sash windows exactly

Board member, Councillor Andrew Hart, said: “I am pleased to support this application as they are doing a very good job.”

Members of the Board voted to approve the 75 per cent grant.