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Greyfriars townscape heritage initiative

The Greyfriars Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) is a conservation led regeneration grant scheme and forms part of the Connecting Leicester strategy.

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What is Greyfriars THI?

Townscape Heritage Initiatives are grant giving schemes that help communities to regenerate conservation areas that have suffered the effects of decline. Alongside the Heritage Lottery Fund, we have contributed to a common fund, from which grants are given to property owners and organisations. This allows them to undertake high quality repairs and restoration works to historic properties and spaces within the THI area.

Between 2015 and 2020 we plan to invest £1.6m in the Greyfriars conservation area, with the aim of helping to regenerate the area through investing in its important and unique heritage. The funding will be used to:

Restore lost architectural features such as windows.
Repair and improve the frontages of buildings.
Bring empty floor space back into use.
Improve the public realm.
Deliver community events and training.

Our project team is being supported by the University of Leicester, De Montfort University, Leicester Civic Society and Leicester Cathedral.

Find out more about the Heritage Lottery Fund.

What are our aims?

We have five main aims for this project, which is to:

make the historic centre of the city more attractive
stimulate economic growth
help people value Leicester's historic development
increase participation in conserving Leicester's historic environment
improve skills in the heritage sector.

What areas are included in the THI?

The THI is targeting the conservation of key historic buildings within the Greyfriars conservation area.

View a map of the THI area

What will be funded?

Businesses, property owners and leaseholders in the area can apply for grants to:

Reinstate lost architectural features such as windows (up to 80%).
Repair architectural features and improve the frontage of buildings (up to 75%).
Bring empty floor space back into use.

Eligible works will include property repairs using traditional materials and methods, the reinstatement of traditional details, and shop front improvements.

More information about the plans, including a map of the project area, is available to download at the bottom of the page.

How do I apply for a grant?

Stage one - expression of interest

Our team will work with you to:

advise you whether or not your project is eligible
assess the works that are required
to consider which of you planned works are eligible for grant funding
advise you on the likelihood of you receiving grant aid
advise if any local authority consents or notifications will be required to undertake the work.

Stage two - submit application

The THI officer will help you put together your application and guide you through the process until the works are completed.

Stage three - grant assessment and offer letter

Stage four - commencement of works

Stage five - payment of grant

For more information on the application process and eligible works please view the document below: