Coupar Angus Townscape Heritage Initiative launched
Last updated | 22/02/2008
Coupar Angus residents are being invited to attend the launch of the ambitious Coupar Angus Townscape Heritage Initiative, to meet the people involved in the scheme and find out how the project can benefit them.
Coupar Angus Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) is a grant-giving programme for the repair and regeneration of the historic environment within Coupar Angus. Its main aim is to make possible the continued viable use of the buildings that make up the architectural character of the heart of Coupar Angus and to bringing derelict and underused buildings back into reuse.
Over the next three years it is proposed to spend over £4.3 million pounds of public and private money in the historic heart of Coupar Angus on 17 different buildings.
The three main projects are the former Co-op, the Cumberland Barracks and the Royal Hotel. In addition to these the THI has identified 14 other buildings around the centre which may qualify for a 90% grant to restore their architectural features.
People who attend the launch will also have the chance to see an exhibition covering the historic development of Coupar Angus, the THI projects and the other work of the funding partners. The exhibition will be moved to the Town Hall foyer at the end of the afternoon and remain on public view for approximately two weeks.
The launch will take place from 1-3pm on Thursday January 31 from 1-2pm at the Main Hall, Town Hall, Union Street.
Councillor Alan Grant, Chairman of Coupar Angus Regeneration Turst, will give a welcome address, and other speakers will include Provost John Hulbert, Thomas Knowles of Historic Scotland and Colin McLean from the Heritage Lottery Fund. An overview of Coupar Angus Townscape Heritage Initiative will also be given.
Councillor Grant said: "I would urge residents to come along to find out about this major project which will significantly improve the environment in Coupar Angus.
"This will affect everyone who lives in the town and so we want people to know what is going on and to feel involved."
Work is already underway on a development under the THI to bring 12 much-needed new affordable homes to Coupar Angus.
The former Co-op, in the town’s George Street, is the first building to be refurbished under the scheme.
Communities Scotland has invested over £1.1 million in the project by Perthshire Housing Association. The development is also being supported with grants from Perth and Kinross Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland and Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust.
