The Redundant Building Grant (RBG) Scheme is part of a programme of rural regeneration funded through the Rural Regeneration Zone by Advantage West Midlands. Grants are provided for the conversion or refurbishment of redundant buildings to bring them back into productive business use or to enhance their current business use. One of the key aims of the scheme is the creation of jobs, so by providing premises for new enterprises, local demand for workspace can be addressed, creating or safeguarding jobs in areas most in need in our rural communities.
Who can apply?
Individuals, partnerships, limited companies or co-operatives can all apply for a grant. Applicants can be owner-occupiers, owners proposing to lease out the premises for eligible business uses, or tenants with at least five years of unexpired lease and written consent for the proposed works from their landlord.
What types of projects can get funding under this scheme?
Virtually any building could be eligible but the key criterion is that the building will be used for business purposes once the works are completed. These grants are not available for conversion to or refurbishment of residential property, nor for buildings which will be used for agricultural or horticultural purposes.
Eligible projects would include conversion or refurbishment, including upgrading of mains services, to provide facilities for:
What is meant by ‘redundant’?
In general terms, for a building to qualify for a grant it must either be completely unused or unusable in its current state for the purposes for which it is now needed. Grants cannot be used for pure refurbishment where the use of the building will not be changed, although assistance can be given to upgrading mains services in order to help a business in its expansion programme.
Where are the grants available?
Grants under this scheme are available in Herefordshire, Shropshire (excluding Telford & Wrekin) and Worcestershire.
How much can I apply for?
Grants of up to £62,500, or 25% of eligible project costs, are awarded. The minimum grant is £2,500 (with project costs of £10,000). Funds from other public sector sources should not, together with the Redundant Building Grant, exceed 50% of the total eligible cost of the project.
N.B. Application must be made and approved before work starts.
To find out more, contact the Programme Manager to discuss your proposal. You will be advised whether or not your project could be eligible for funding. You will be asked to complete a Stage 1 Enquiry Form, and if the details of your project meet the initial criteria and priorities of the scheme, you will be invited to complete a full application.