34 Y e a r b o o k 2 0 1 0 Trust for Wales in partnership with the IHBC, Disability Wales and Cadw. The judges noted that ‘the quality and impact of the restoration done on 10–12 Dunraven Place is especially noteworthy, where the stone detail of the 1830s frontage has been reinstated, together with a facsimile of the original pediment. This in particular may be a catalyst for change within the wider area’. More grant applications followed from a variety of owners in the THI area, particularly for the restoration of missing features and for the replacement of shopfronts. The grants gave a much greater incentive to improve standards than could ever be achieved through ordinary planning consents, enabling the introduction of a visually coherent palette of brightly painted facades (evolving design standards are currently being incorporated into a Supplementary Planning Guidance for Dunraven Place). Guidance was also given on the form of the shopfronts that would be acceptable, requiring the reintroduction of a strong visual frame with cornices, fascias and pilasters, adding visual weight to the bottom of the buildings, and helping to reunite the architecture above. However, within this framework, owners were able to exercise a wide degree of individuality and the combined effect is refreshingly varied. Grant aid was not confined to facades alone. Help was also given to enable essential repairs, particularly to the roofs, as many historic buildings were suffering from years of decline and neglect. At 3 Dunraven Place for example (the yellow building at the centre of the picture top left), a THI grant enabled repairs to the envelope of the building, including roof repairs, window replacements with traditional sliding sashes, and the reconstruction of its original pedimented parapet. The building now adds a focal point to the street and its future has been secured. Measuring success The THI was launched with a grant of £910,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2005, with match funding bringing the total to £1.4 million by 2010. The success of this investment can be seen in the creation of six new business and 30 new jobs, with a further 120 jobs safeguarded, and 2,500 sq metres of floor space have been brought back into use. Moreover, the knock-on effect of regenerating the historic core is likely to be long lasting and far-reaching, as the social and economic benefits impact on the surrounding urban areas. A Phase II for Bridgend THI is currently being assessed by the HLF; a decision is expected in June 2010. Authors This article was prepared by David Boulting of Cathedral Communications with the help of THI officer Susan Tomlinson, who is an IHBC affiliate member. The pedestrianised area of Dunraven Place: grant-aided buildings can be distinguished by their brightly coloured lime washed facades A detail from Bridgend Regeneration Strategy promoting traditional shopfront design 40 Dunraven Place: pilasters restored and awaiting a new shopfront
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgyMjA=