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Redundant Buildings Grant
Invitation to tender for consultancy work relating to the Redundant Buildings Grant programme.
What is the purpose of the grant?
The Devon Renaissance Redundant Buildings Grant Scheme has been established to help bring redundant buildings back into productive use, to address local demand for workspace and to create jobs in the rural communities.
What buildings will qualify?
Most types of buildings, regardless of age, which can be used for business premises, will qualify. A building must be completely unused or unusable for its future purpose in its current state. It must also have been out of use for at least six months.
Please note that where planning permission is required, proof that it has been obtained will be a condition of grant funding.
What type of businesses/buildings can get a grant?
• Space for manufacturing, service or creative industries and office premises
• Tourism facilities and activities (but please see below)
• Warehousing and distribution facilities that create jobs locally
• Agricultural and other land-based businesses not related to primary production
To be eligible businesses must be an SME. An SME is defined as; The category of micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) is made up of enterprises which employ fewer that 250 persons and which has an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million, and / or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million.
What types of businesses/buildings do not qualify?
• Most retail premises or showrooms, but a manufacturing activity selling its product at the premises (e.g. a pottery) would be eligible
• Residential accommodation and/or residential care
• Tourist accommodation, but facilities associated with existing serviced tourist accommodation may be eligible
• Primary agricultural, horticultural, mining or quarrying activities
• Refurbishment of existing business premises/works connected with a change of use of a building e.g. from storage to manufacturing
• Public service delivery of education and healthcare, but private sector delivery may be eligible if it meets the scheme outputs (see RBG EOI Guidance Notes)
• Applications which promote a particular political party or religion
• Local authorities, education, or other public sector agencies unless they have leased the property to the private sector
Where does the building need to be located?
Two broad areas are eligible for funding.
- Objective 2 area includes West Devon, North Devon, Torridge and the South Hams. The final date for applications for this area is September 2007 - with proposed building works needing to be completed by March 2008. Please note that the funding for the Objective 2 area is now fully committed. However, we are hoping to source future funding so please contact Devon Renaissance to place your details on our waiting list.
- Non-Objective 2 area includes East Devon, Mid Devon and Teignbridge. The final date for applications for this area is September 2008 - with proposed building works needing to be completed by March 2009. Please note that there are only limited funds available for this area. However, we are hoping to source future funding so please contact Devon Renaissance to place your details on our waiting list.
What level of grant can I obtain?
• Minimum grant available is £5,000
• Upper grant limit is €200,000 (which is approximately £136,000)
• The rate of grant will be up to, but not normally exceed, 25% of eligible costs
• Grants to the private sector are governed by European State Aid rules. The maximum grant payable is set to comply with these rules and may be subject to change.
What can the grant cover?
Grants can cover up to 25% of eligible costs which can include those associated with building works, installation of services, ICT infrastructure, access and parking and professional fees. Grant aid for the upgrading of utilities can be provided if this will enhance an existing business activity within the premises.
Who can apply for a grant?
• Sole traders
• Partnerships
• Limited companies
• Co-operatives
• Charitable trusts provided the project meets the other criteria of the scheme
• Owner occupiers
• Social enterprises
Do I need to own the premises?
No – applicants can be owner-occupiers or tenants who have a fixed term lease with an unexpired term of at least ten years.
What if I own the premises but plan to lease them?
Owners can lease the premises for eligible business purposes.
Is help available to develop my project?
Yes help is available. Please contact Devon Renaissance for further assistance.
Where does the funding come from?
The project is part funded by the European Union (through Government Office for the South West) and the South West Regional Development Agency.
What projects have obtained funding to date?
Please see below.
If I want to apply what do I do next?
Please contact Devon Renaissance by telephone or email and we will be pleased to discuss your project with you. You can also view our leaflet, giving an overview of the scheme.
You can view the application forms and guidance notes in the Download Documents section. Please ensure that you are viewing/completing the Redundant Buildings Grant forms and not those relating to the main Devon Renaissance Programme. The Redundant Buildings Grant forms are towards the bottom of the 'Download Documents' section.
Please note that all applications will be subject to a technical and financial appraisal. Grants are discretionary and will not be awarded if the financial appraisal demonstrates that the project could proceed without grant aid. Funding for the scheme is also limited and priority will be given to projects that best deliver the objectives of the scheme.
Some of our successful projects
Below is a map showing the locations of successful RBG applications to date:
Western Barns, Ashprington, Nr. Totnes 
Conversion of a two storey barn into 4 or 5 craft workshops. Space will be available for craft based businesses. The barn is situated in a beautiful location and will be sympathetically developed.
Filleigh Sawmills, Filleigh, Near Barnstaple
Conversion of a grade two listed redundant sawmill to provide affordable workshops and business facilities which will house the newly launched, not for profit, community enterprise for self employed craftspeople working as furniture designers, makers, restorers and conservators.
Goodstuff, Kingsbridge
Conversion of an empty building that has previously been both a retail outlet and sail makers to a restaurant with the emphasis on family dining.
Last updated 2nd September 2008
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