A LEADING member of a project which aims to secure the long-term future of six landmark buildings in Ledbury has said plenty of work is going on behind the scenes to help receive a major grant to ensure their future protection.
Ledbury Places is a project launched by the Ledbury and District Civic Society which considers the future options for Ledbury’s Market House, the Barrett Building Institute, Town Council offices, the Heritage Centre, the Butchers Row Museum and Burgage Hall.
With funding support from Social Investment Business (SIB), the future of the six buildings is being sought through by them being linked together as a group. As well as securing their futures, the project is also examining ways of the buildings’ long term economic viability by putting them to the best possible use for the community in the future.
Following a consultation in February, project organisers are now keen to put their final grant application together in its best possible form in a bid to win the funding. To apply for Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the group must apply before the end of August.
Alex Clive, chairman of the Ledbury and District Civic Society and a member of the Ledbury Places steering group, said the project continues to gather pace.
“We have not said a lot publicly of late but a huge amount of work has been going on behind the scenes to ensure we put in the best possible grant application,” he said.
“Although nothing that you include in your application for funding at this stage is set in stone, you do need to include any work you feel is a realistic possibility as the project develops. This means getting the grant application right is absolutely vital.
“This project provides a unique opportunity for our town to protect some of its most beautiful assets by taking advantage of significant grant funding that could be made available to us.
“Many of the buildings are in urgent need of restoration work while as a community we must try to make better use of them to ensure their long term viability and sustainability.”
Visit www.ledburyplaces.org for more information about the project.
