SFF Delivery round applications

Saintfield Community Heritage Park

Applicant: Saintfield Community Association

Project: The creation of a community park on the outskirts of Saintfield village, known as Windmill field. The project aims to enhance the environmental and habitat value of a 3-acre field, whilst stabilising and providing access to the scheduled monuments on site. In addition to delivering projects to engage with the local community, this park will provide free access for a wide range of people, improving its condition whilst having the potential to improve upon biodiversity.

Decision: Award Delivery grant of £903,771 (86%) an uplift of £194,738 of total project costs.

SFF Development round applications

Reviving Omagh’s Sacred Stories

Applicant: St Columb’s Diocesan Trust

Project description: The Sacred Heart Church, Omagh, a grade A listed building sitting prominently within the centre of town. The urgent works required will address the stonework and stained-glass windows. Through creating a new exhibition, community space and heritage trail, the project aims to bring together the local and wider communities.

Decision: The Committee for NI agreed the application represented a medium priority for support and awarded Development grant of £31,750 (87%) of total eligible development costs, and potential delivery grant of £656,800 (70%).

Future for Thatch

Applicant: CITB NI

Project description: To safeguard the future of thatch and to preserve the associated skills within thatching that remains endangered in Northern Ireland. The project aims are to support the future of thatching through training and engagement with current thatcher’s and building owners. To raise awareness with a wider public activity and community programme whilst incorporating educational resources for schools.

Decision: The Committee for NI agreed the application represented a high priority for support and awarded Development grant of £17,239 (60%) of total eligible development costs, and potential delivery grant of £722,490 (89%).

Heritage through Migration

Applicant: Co-Operation Ireland

Project description: Over a period of three years to develop a suite of regional activity-based projects across NI, with a view to engaging with partner organisations across local communities within a minority ethnic background. To support integration and foster good relations and so create a better understanding between new and existing communities.

The Committee for NI agreed the application represented a high priority for support and awarded Development grant of £62,542 (91%) of total eligible development costs, and potential delivery grant of £496,648 (90%).

32 Townsend Street – Peace Line Heritage and Music

Applicant: The Ulster orchestra Society Limited

Project description: Townsend Street Church c1833 is a B1 listed building situated on the Peace Line, an area that has had its challenges in recent times. It is an area with a rich history of industrial heritage and sense of ownership. The Ulster Orchestra’s aim is to reinstate the church with a view to working with the local community and beyond. To reimagine and develop a performance space and preserve the heritage of the local area through digital and immersive experiences.

The Committee for NI agreed the application represented a high priority for support and awarded Development grant of £267,975 (59%) of total eligible development costs, and potential delivery grant of £3,704,070 (76%).