As one of 10 new Capital Grants through their Heritage Revival Fund. The project to restore St Michael’s Place, in Warwick, received a significant boost this week, thanks to a large award from the Architectural Heritage Fund as one of 10 new Capital Grants through their Heritage Revival Fund. 

The project aims to save historic buildings at an 800-year-old scheduled ancient monument site and transform them into new affordable rent homes. The funding will help West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust, which is part of the West Midlands Heritage Trust group, implement plans to repair and refurbish the Master’s House and St Michael’s Chapel in Saltisford, Warwick, both Grade II* listed historic buildings that date from the 15th century. West Midlands Heritage is working in partnership with Warwick District Council to restore and convert these empty listed buildings for use as affordable rent houses, transforming a site that has been derelict for over 50 years. 

Below ground remains of earlier buildings are a Scheduled Ancient Monument as they date back to the 13th century and early use of the site as a Leper hospital.

The award comes as the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) celebrates its 50th Anniversary, with the announcement of these 10 new Capital Grants, totalling £2.8 million, to support communities across England to breathe new life into neglected historic buildings.

Matthew Mckeague, Chief Executive of the Architectural Heritage Fund, said: “These awards will help create high quality new spaces within historic buildings for a range of community and social enterprise led projects. They will also help repurpose vacant spaces within town centres and on high streets, helping create wider regeneration benefits. We are very grateful to DCMS for ongoing funding that enables us to support these inspiring schemes.”

Corinne Brazier, Chair of West Midlands Heritage, said: We are thrilled that St Michael’s Place has received this vital support from the Heritage Revival Fund.  The funding will enable us to bring the historic buildings back into use and work with the local community through a programme of skills development. We are grateful to the Architectural Heritage Fund for recognising the historical importance of this site and supporting its future.”

Councillor Jess Melrose, Portfolio Holder for Housing for Warwick District Council, said “This is wonderful news for Warwick. We are delighted that this additional support from the Architectural Heritage Fund, will help us to realise our ambition of rescuing these important buildings and offer them a sustainable future, whilst also preserving the legacy of the site for future generations.”