HSHAZ Property Grants

As part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) scheme, which saw the city council receive a successful bid for funding of £1.68 million in April 2020, the city council has created a programme of historic building restorations designed to revitalise the area and uncover its rich history.

Included in this is plans to revitalise Lincoln’s historic shopfronts to bring them back to their former glory. 

The property grant scheme supports eligible building owners or leaseholders, to invest in the repair and restoration of historic buildings, inside the HSHAZ boundary.

Property improvements can include, but are not limited to, repairs, reinstating lost features, and making buildings suitable for new use.

Commercial property tenants, business owners and landlords within the designated HSHAZ area may be eligible for a non-repayable grant of up to 90% for restoration, shop front refurbishment and/or change of use. 

If successful, as part of the HSHAZ, owners will be supported by an experienced team of professionals to deliver a bespoke, high quality sympathetic restoration and refurbishment to preserve the building and add maximum curb-appeal. Property improvements include, but are not limited to, repairs, reinstating lost features, and making buildings suitable for new use. 

First Lincoln Historic Shopfront Restoration Completed

Works on 8-10 St Mary’s Street, Lincoln High Street, owned by Lincolnshire Co-op, are now finished following generous grant support from the HSHAZ programme.

City of Lincoln Council in partnership with Historic England is celebrating its first historic shopfront restoration in the city, which has seen a Lincolnshire Co-op building transformed.

The first shopfront to be restored is owned by Lincolnshire Co-op and can be located on 8-10 St Mary’s Street.

Cllr Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Historic Environment Advocate at City of Lincoln Council said: 

“There are many unique heritage aspects and locations within Lincoln that need to be preserved so that Lincoln’s special character is maintained, and that includes its shopfronts.

“We are happy to see the first of what we hope to be many shopfronts restored to their former glory in the city.

“By restoring, revitalising and refurbishing these historic shopfronts, it not only helps us to protect heritage in our city, but also aids us in continuing to make Lincoln a great place for both residents and visitors to enjoy.”

David Walsh, Principal Advisor at Historic England added:

“We are delighted to see the first HSHAZ shopfront restoration being completed, including the repair and refurbishment of the whole building. 

“We congratulate the Lincolnshire Co-op and the council on this successful project which will aid the post-Covid recovery of the city.”
 

Before 

Credit: Stuart Wilde Photography

After

Credit: Stuart Wilde Photography

Architect Impressions

Lincoln High Street Units: Shop front designs by Keith Neil Smith (Clarity NS) artistic impression by John Braben

Sincil Street Historic Shopfronts Given New Lease of Life Thanks to Lincoln High Street Heritage Action Zone Funding

City of Lincoln Council in partnership with Historic England is celebrating the completion of historic shopfront restorations in the city, which has seen a row of Lincolnshire Co-op buildings transformed.

The latest shopfronts to be restored, following the completion of shopfronts at 8-10 St Mary’s Street, are owned by Lincolnshire Co-op.

The restored Sincil Street properties, which are a row of a rare survival in Lincoln of ‘back-to-back’ houses, were unveiled during a celebration event on 19 October at 38-44 Sincil Street.

Property improvements on Sincil Street included repairs, reinstating lost features, and making buildings suitable for new use. 

Ursula Lidbetter, CEO of Lincolnshire Co-op said: 

“We committed at the start of The Cornhill Quarter development to retain or reinstate as many historic features as possible, to give the buildings a new lease of life and retain the historic character of the area. 

“Having invested just under £1 million in 38-44 Sincil Street, we are delighted with the results.  

“Thank you to Historic England for contributing additional funds for the shopfronts and to the city council conservation team for their expert advice.  

“We are looking forward to welcoming new tenants who want to trade from these units and make the most of their authentic charm.”

David Walsh, Principal Advisor at Historic England added: 

“The Cornhill Quarter is an outstanding example of heritage-led regeneration which is becoming known nationally. 

“We are delighted that the repairs and reinstatement of shopfronts at 38-44 Sincil Street have been completed. 

“The shops look great and it is a testament to the skills and expertise of all involved.”

Archive Images

Sincil St, archive, photographer unknown

Sincil St © City of Lincoln Council

Sincil St © City of Lincoln Council

Further Information

If you are interested in applying for HSHAZ property grants or would like to ask us questions about the grants, please get in touch.

Generously supported by Historic England and HM Government.