BUILDING PRESERVATION TRUSTS
What is a Building Preservation Trust?
A Building Preservation Trust (BPT) is a charity, the main aim of which includes the preservation and regeneration of historic buildings. There are almost 300 BPT’s in the UK, with 21 BPT’s currently in existence in Northern Ireland. The majority are rooted in their local communities. Some are formed to save just one building and others, known as ‘revolving fund trusts’, save a succession of buildings.
A revolving fund BPT operates like a benign/supportive developer - identifying a viable end use, testing the financial assumptions, preparing a detailed scheme, assembling the necessary finance, undertaking the work and disposing of the building, once repaired, for reuse. However, with a revolving fund structure any financial gains are ploughed back (on a not-for-profit basis) for further building restoration projects.
BPTs are eligible for grants from other charities, statutory bodies and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Many of these sources of funding cannot be used by private individuals or developers. BPTs can thus preserve, for public benefit, threatened buildings of special architectural or historic interest where a commercial solution cannot be found.
Where can I get more advice on Building Preservation Trusts?
The Association of Preservation Trusts (APT) is the membership organisation for building preservation trusts in the UK. It provides comprehensive guidance notes for BPT’s, including advice on regeneration, accessibility, finance and sustainability. The APT seeks to promote good practice and increase the quality and professionalism of BPT’s. APT has a network of area committees one of which is located in Northern Ireland. This meets on a regular basis and is an important source of help and encouragement to local members. EHS has made a contribution towards the work of APT UK in Northern Ireland since 1995/1996 which has helped the development of local activities.
Contact the Association of Building Preservation Trusts for more information at this address:
The Coordinator
The UK Association of Preservation Trusts
Alhambra House
27-31 Charing Cross road
London
WC2H 0AU
Tel 02079301629
Fax 02079300295
Email apt@ahfund.org.uk
www.ahfund.org.uk