Building Enhancement Grants.

Building Enhancement Grants

Building Enhancement Grants (BEG's) are available to businesses in Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre for renovations and improvements to external street frontages of buildings.  

In 2012-13 the priority areas in Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre are:

  • High Street
  • John Street
  • Victoria Street
  • Glebeland Street

BEGs are administered by MTCBC on behalf of Welsh Assembly Government

What can grants be used for?

Improvements to the exterior of the building which are in keeping with the age and style of the building and compliment the regeneration works in the area. Only elevations in public view can be considered eligible.

What types of works are supported?

  • Windows, doors and shop front replacements
  • Re-rendering
  • External cleaning and external painting
  • External brickwork and stonework repairs
  • Renewal/repairs of roofs, chimneys and guttering

Please see the style sheet for more information

Grants available

50% Grants of up to £150,000 exclusive of VAT. Grants are discretionary and you will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for the other 50%.

Timetable

Once prepared, submit the application to MTCBC Regeneration Department.

How do I apply?

Firstly contact MTCBC to discuss your ideas and eligibility for the scheme. Work has already been done on some buildings and some architectural plans drawn up which could save you money and time. If your idea is eligible we will ask you complete the Register of interest Form. If this is accepted we will ask you to complete a Detailed Application Form and Financial Questionnaire.

               Ty Penderyn formerly Comfort House
               Lower High Street

IMPORTANT

Do not start any works before the grant has been approved and you have formally accepted the offer.

How long does it take for the grant to be approved?

It usually takes 5-6 weeks for applications to be approved.

When will the grant be paid?

When the work is completed you will need to submit a statement of expenditure for the works as agreed in the application with invoices and the final account from the contractor.

Please note that you will not be able to claim for works not included in the original application, unless they have been agreed before they were carried out. If the overall cost is lower than anticipated the grant will be reduced accordingly.

Are there any conditions attached to the grant?

For a period of five years WAG will have a legal charge over the property and you must:

  1. Insure the property with a reputable insure
  2. Maintain and keep the property to the same standard of repair
  3. Inform us of any proposed change of use

If you fail to meet these conditions you will be required to repay part or whole of the grant.

If you dispose of the property within five years you must secure written approval from the Welsh Assembly Government and repay an agreed portion of the grant.

For Further Information please contact BEG@merthyr.gov.uk or Tel: 01685 725397