Innovative plans to transform a derelict 16th century farmhouse in Droitwich Spa into affordable housing have received round one funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, building on crucial early support from the AHF.
The Willow Court Farmhouse project is an exciting collaboration between Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust (WBPT), Wychavon District Council, who own the property, and a Housing Association, Platform Housing Group. Working together they aim to restore and convert the at risk Grade II listed farmhouse into six new affordable homes.
The project received crucial early support from the AHF in 2018 through a Project Viability Grant and later a Project Development Grant. These grants enabled the team to establish the condition of the building, the costs of repair and conversion and identify potential funding sources. The project has now secured development funding of £259,400 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to help progress WBPT’s plans to apply for a full lottery grant in 2022.
For more information follow the WBPT news statement:
Matthew Mckeague, Chief Executive of the Architectural Heritage Fund said “We’re delighted that the Willow Court Farmhouse project has secured this significant funding boost, helped by AHF’s early support. These plans demonstrate the potential for sustainable re-use of historic buildings as affordable homes, and we commend the partnership working that has made this possible.”
Photo Credit
Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust
Editor's notes
1) The Architectural Heritage Fund is a registered charity, working since 1976 to promote the conservation and sustainable re-use of historic buildings for the benefit of communities across the UK, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. We are the only specialist heritage social investor in the UK. We provide advice, development grants and loans.
2) For enquiries, please contact the AHF on 0207 925 0199 / ahf@ahfund.org.uk
