Issue - meetings
Historic Buildings Grant to 57 Brick Lane for historic shopfront improvements
Meeting: 27/10/2021 - Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee (Item 6)
6 Historic Buildings Grant to 57 Brick Lane for historic shopfront improvements PDF 575 KB
Additional documents:
- Appendix. 1 for Historic Buildings Grant to 57 Brick Lane for historic shopfront improvements, item 6 PDF 260 KB
- Webcast for Historic Buildings Grant to 57 Brick Lane for historic shopfront improvements
Minutes:
Anna Zucchelli (Heritage at Risk Projects Officer, Place) presented the report. The report sought permission to offer a grant of £10,000 to Rajmahal Sweets, 57 Brick Lane, from two sources. These were: the Historic Buildings Grant and the Brick Lane Regeneration Programme (where it was normally required the business owner make a contribution). However, due to the mitigating circumstances, highlighted in the report, Officers considered that this was beyond their means. It was reported that the building was in a poor condition including severe timber decay and broken glazing. The building was located in a prominent position on the corner location - opposite the grade II* listed Brick Lane Mosque. The project provided an opportunity to enhance the historic shop front and listed building. Due to these factors, it met the grant criteria.
Other features of the scheme were noted and these included:
• Details of the grants conditions. These included: the need to seek three competitive quotes, before an offer could be made and the completion of an inspection of the works before payment could be made.
• The provision of a plaque referencing the funding arrangements.
• The provision of advice to the business owners in a maintenance manual about the repair works and the upkeep of the building.
The Sub – Committee noted the questions submitted on behalf of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the following:
• The cost of the refurbishment works and the contribution from the landlord/tenant. It was confirmed that the cost would solely be met from two sources identified above rather than from a contribution for the landlord/tenants- given the affordability issues.
• In addition, It was also noted that the business owners had already contributed to previous works, so overall it was felt that they had already contributed enough to the improvement works, without making any further contributions to this project.
The Committee discussed a number of issues as set out below:
• Responsibility for the repairs works in the long term and upkeep of the building and landlords contributions for this. It was noted that Officers were mindful of these issues and undertook to consider this further with the Town Centre and High Street Team. It was noted that the maintenance manual should also provide advice and guidance covering such issues. It was also noted that since this was a listed building, any changes to the building would require planning permission.
• Members noted the importance of protecting heritage assets and welcomed the proposals.
RESOLVED:
1. Authorise the Corporate Director Place to issue a formal offer of Historic Buildings Grant, subject to conditions, of £10,000 to Rajmahal Sweets, 57 Brick Lane, towards the cost of shopfront improvements on the Fournier Street elevation.
2. Authorise the Corporate Director Place to enter into the grant agreement and any such other agreements required to affect the grant and the use of the grant as detailed in paragraph 1.