A new fund has been launched to support the reuse of historic buildings across Northern Ireland.

Introduced by the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF), the £300k social investment loan fund offers tailored loan finance for charities, social enterprises and community businesses seeking to acquire, reuse or redevelop buildings of historical or architectural importance. The buildings may be listed, in a conservation area or may be of special significance to the community. 

It will help NI organisations deliver positive economic and social impact to communities in the region.

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The Department for Communities' Historic Environment Division is contributing to the new fund, following its work with AHF on the Community Enterprise Catalyst Programme and the DAERA-funded Village Catalyst programme.

Matthew Mckeague, Chief Executive of the AHF said: "We are extremely pleased to be launching this fund alongside so many partners, including the Department for Communities. The Heritage Impact Fund is designed to provide flexible and targeted finance, supporting not-for-profit organisations both within and outside the heritage sector - the common link being the re-use of a heritage building and delivering local economic and social benefits. We've supported numerous projects of this type in Northern Ireland and with this funding from the Department for Communities we look forward to supporting many more over the next few years."

(CM/JG)