Decision details

To consider the grant application for 351 High Street following Cabinet's deferral of consideration on 6 June 2006.

163/2006 The Cabinet approved a Townscape Heritage Initiative grant, as set out in the exempt appendix for 351 High Street, Rochester.

Without the grant, the building is likely to remain in its current state as restoration will remain economically unviable. The intention of all Townscape Heritage Initiative grants is to contribute to a safe and tenable future for Medway's heritage assets. Eligibility is based on a building's need; 351 High Street was given priority 1 status by the Townscape Heritage Initiative Action Plan. Though the renovation of 351 High Street requires a large investment of public money, it will provide a return on that investment in the form of lasting cultural, economic and heritage capital for Medway. Effective safeguards have been put in place to enable clawback of grant money if the building increases in value within five years of completion.