This report constitutes a second and interim component of the long-term evaluation of THI; research which commenced with a Base Line study of 17 schemes from the first three rounds of the programme in 1999.

The intention of the interim study has been to provide evidence for a preliminary assessment of the impacts of the programme as a whole, based on an analysis of a selection of round one schemes.

The findings, conclusions and recommendations presented in the report are based on a small sample of the total population of THI funded projects to date, and must be read with this in mind.

Nonetheless clear trends seem to be emerging, and it is evident that where certain conditions are in place, the THI provides a great opportunity, in our view, for regeneration of otherwise neglected heritage areas.

What this report aims to do is to begin to identify the circumstances for success, and the key variables that have a direct impact on a THI project’s outcomes.