The work of the Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) has been recognised after it received two awards at this year’s Royal Town Planning Institute’s ‘East Midlands Planning Awards’.
The Awards recognise and reward initiatives that are judged to have significantly advanced the science and art of town planning for the benefit of the community and provide an outstanding example of the beneficial impact of positive planning.
The THI was announced the winner in two categories~:
- The East Midlands Branch of the Royal Town Planning Institute Heritage Award, and
- The East Midlands Branch of the Royal Town Planning Institute Overall Winner of the 2007 Branch Awards.
Councillor Stephen Hayes, Deputy Leader of Amber Valley Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “I’m delighted that the Townscape Heritage Initiative has received these two prestigious awards. They recognise the excellent work we are undertaking on regeneration projects in Amber Valley. The Initiative is a first class example of partnership working and we could not have achieved these awards without the support of our partners. That, together with the high quality of professional support by officers in developing and implementing this work, is making a real difference to the historic town of Belper and enhancing the quality of life for people living and visiting the town. We should all be proud and rejoice in these awards”.
Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: “This is a very good example of working in partnership and the Award recognises the high professional support from officers from the various organisations involved. Belper has benefited from the scheme enormously and I am sure people living in the town will be pleased that the scheme has won this recognition.”
The THI is co-ordinated by Amber Valley Borough Council, in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership, Derbyshire County Council and Belper Town Council.
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For further information contact Lisa Garnham, PR and Communications Manager at Amber Valley Borough Council, on 01773 841655.
Note for editors:
Now in its fourth year, the THI has completed a large number of projects in and around Belper, including the high profile restorations at the Black Swan and the Ritz Cinema.
The THI is a partnership scheme with funding from several organisations. The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has committed up to £1 million to the scheme, as part of its UK wide Townscape Heritage Initiative, which aims to conserve and regenerate historic urban areas. The Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership has contributed £513,200 to the scheme. Derbyshire County Council, Amber Valley Borough Council and Belper Town Council also contribute to the scheme.
The Initiative is co-ordinated by Amber Valley Borough Council, which has committed up to £291,000 to the scheme. It aims to regenerate key commercial sites within Belper’s Market Place and King Street as well as the former mill workers’ housing at Hopping Hill in Milford and the Clusters in Belper.
The Belper and Milford THI has awarded grants to over 70 projects over the last three years to repair original fabric, reinstate traditional architectural detail, improving the public realm, and undertaking feasibility and research studies. To date, the Initiative has generated investment of £2,060,000 in the regeneration of Belper and Milford.
