The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) has launched a new £7m social investment fund to enable organisations to deliver economic and social impact from the re-use of the UK’s heritage buildings.
The Heritage Impact Fund is a partnership, the first of its kind, between the AHF (£1.42m), the National Lottery Heritage Fund(£2.25m), Historic England (£800k), Historic Environment Scotland (£427k) and Cadw (£100k). Rathbone Greenbank Investments will provide investment management and loan facilities to the AHF.
The Heritage Impact Fund offers tailored loan finance for charities, social enterprises and community businesses seeking to acquire, reuse or redevelop buildings of historical or architectural importance. These buildings may be listed, in a conservation area, or may be of special significance to the community. Loan amounts will be up to £500,000 per project with a maximum three-year term, which can be extended in exceptional circumstances.
As well as helping deliver projects that support the sustainability of historic buildings, the Heritage Impact Fund will support organisations with a clear social mission seeking to deliver demonstrable local economic and community impact.