£350k grant to transform buildings

Almost £350,000 has been awarded to a project that is considered a vital part of Sunderland’s High Street re-development.

The Architectural Heritage Fund has announced the first Heritage Development Trust Pilot Grants and Transformation al Capital Grants across England, totalling more than £2million.

They include a Transformational Capital Grant of £348,350 for 170175 High Street West in the Wearside city.

The three terraced buildings, which date back to the 18 th Century, will be restored and converted by Tyne and Wear Preservation Trust in partnership with the Pop Recs.

The surviving Georgian terrace is considered to be of regional importance due to its historical and communal value and 173 has strong connections with the foundation and development of the Binns department store.

It was originally Binns Drapery, one of Sunderland’s most iconic institutions and synonymous for many with the city’s heyday.

The Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust has also received a Heritage Development Pilot Grant of £150,000 to extend its programme of activities–working on former residential and commercial buildings in high streets, historic schools and industrial heritage sites.

Architectural Heritage Fund chairman Liz Peace said: “Congratulations to all the organisations on receiving their grants for projects that will contribute enormously towards transforming high streets and town centres into thriving places, strengthening local communities and encouraging local economies to prosper.”