r e v i e w 33 cantilevered metal walkway was constructed over the riverbank. Both are accessible via an alleyway leading from the pedestrianised area. A THI grant scheme was established to help business owners improve structures and sites within a defined section of the town centre around the historic core. The THI scheme offers individual grants of up to 90 per cent of the cost of works that enhance the appearance of the town centre. Grant assistance is only available for works involving the use of high quality traditional materials and skills, and wherever possible, sensitive repair rather than replacement is advocated in order to preserve historic fabric. Separate grant schemes have also been set up to assist with improvements to privately owned rented accommodation in the town centre and to encourage the conversion to residential use of vacant or under-used upper floors. It is hoped that an increase in the number of town centre residents will help to make the centre a more vibrant area with better maintained and appreciated historic buildings. When first launched the scheme was regarded with some scepticism, and one of the first priorities facing Sue Tomlinson was to promote interest in the scheme. Regeneration is not just about buildings, but also perceptions and attitudes. A positive buzz was required to bring people back into the town centre, and to encourage both property owners and members of the public to look beyond the plastic fascias and urban decay to see the potential. Working with local organisations, a series of events was organised to engage the public, and these were well publicised in the local newspaper. Leaflets were produced giving advice on suitable details for the high street, and a series of workshops was held introducing local builders to the use of lime mortars and traditional paints, sash window repairs, and other essential skills. In all, 70 people attended the workshops, including professionals and tradespeople. The big breakthrough came when the owner of 10–12 Dunraven Place accepted a THI grant to restore a magnificent missing pediment, cornice details and the original fenestration, and to create a traditional shopfront below. Bridgend County Borough Council had by then pedestrianised the area in front of the building, and the restoration of the 15th century footbridge behind the building was well under way. 10–12 Dunraven Place was a landmark building, dating from the 1830s, and in the centre of the pedestrianised area: its restoration had a big impact on the neighbourhood. The scheme won a Green Apple Environmental Award and a special award for conservation and reuse at the 2008 Welsh Local Design Awards, organised by the Civic The heart of the conservation area seen from Market Street, with 10–12 Dunraven Place in the centre, new tree planting, setts in the road way, paving, cast iron benches and brightly painted buildings. 10–12 Dunraven Place with its restored fenestration and bizarre pediment. The work won the special award for conservation and reuse at the 2008 Welsh Local Design Awards.
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