Final Belper THI Final Evaluation - Derwent Valley Mills · shoppers and to build on the...

Peter Stone Consulting Limited perform all consultancy services with due skill and care, in accordance with

generally accepted management consultancy principles and practices. All analyses, conclusions and

recommendations are made in good faith and on the basis of information available at the time. The

responsibility for any financial or other losses incurred by the client as a result of following any advice given

remains with the client.

Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative

Black Swan

Ritz Cinema

FINAL EVALUATION

March 2009

Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative Final Evaluation 2

Peter Stone Consulting

1 Oddfellows Terrace

North Church Street

Bakewell

Derbyshire

DE45 1DB

07711 764994

www.pstoneconsulting.co.uk


CONTENTS CONTENTS CONTENTS CONTENTS

Page Page Page Page

1.1.1.1. Executive SummaryExecutive SummaryExecutive SummaryExecutive Summary 4

2.2.2.2. Consultancy BriefConsultancy BriefConsultancy BriefConsultancy Brief 6

2.1 Background

2.2 Tender Specification

3.3.3.3. MethodologyMethodologyMethodologyMethodology 8

4.4.4.4. Context of the SchemeContext of the SchemeContext of the SchemeContext of the Scheme 11

4.1 Description of the Area

4.2 Background to the Scheme

4.3 Management and Administration of the Scheme

4.4 Publicity

4.5 Overview of Major Projects

5.5.5.5. FindingsFindingsFindingsFindings 17

5.1 Analysis of Funding, Outputs and Outcomes

5.2 Management and Administration

5.3 Strategies, Activity and Initiatives in Belper

6.6.6.6. Measuring Additional Impact of the SchemeMeasuring Additional Impact of the SchemeMeasuring Additional Impact of the SchemeMeasuring Additional Impact of the Scheme 28

6.1 Economic Impact

6.2 Environmental Impact

6.3 Impact upon Crime and Disorder

6.4 Impact upon Tourism

6.5 Impact upon the Local Community

6.6 Sustaining the Impact of the Scheme

7.7.7.7. ConclusionsConclusionsConclusionsConclusions 35

8.8.8.8. RecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendations 37

AAAAppendix Oneppendix Oneppendix Oneppendix One Bibliography 38

AAAAppendix Twoppendix Twoppendix Twoppendix Two Steering Group Questionnaire 39

AAAAppendix Threeppendix Threeppendix Threeppendix Three Belper and Milford Maps 40


1.1.1.1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.1 Peter Stone Consulting Limited was retained by Derby and Derbyshire

Economic Partnership to undertake a Final Evaluation of the Belper and Milford

Townscape Heritage Initiative. The Scheme began in October 2004 and ended on

31st March 2009. In February 2007, Peter Stone Consulting Limited also

undertook the Mid Term Evaluation; information from the mid-term evaluation

has been drawn upon as evidence in this Final Evaluation.

1.2 The Evaluation of the Scheme was undertaken between 23rd February and

6th March 2009 using desktop research and analysis of existing paperwork,

street surveys and interviews with interested parties.

1.3 The Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative has delivered a

significant level of improvement across the Belper and Milford areas. It achieved

its overall aim “to make the area more competitive and attractive to local

shoppers and to build on the opportunity of the World Heritage Site status of the

area to create a world class tourist destination”. With the exception of jobs

created, all of Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership’s outputs for the

Scheme have been achieved or over achieved.

1.4 Environmental and heritage improvements to both residential and

commercial properties have had a positive impact on the communities in terms

of increasing a strong heritage identity and promoted genuine civic pride

amongst its local residents.

1.5 The Scheme raised the quality of the tourist experience and economic

activity and may have contributed to a reduction in crime and disorder.

1.6 Systems for monitoring individual project applications, determining

approvals and following project progress were found to be robust throughout

the Scheme. However, there has been slippage of the overall Scheme, which has

led to a reduction in investment.

1.7 Good infrastructure and groups are in place to take the heritage agenda

forward in the area.


1.8 Ideally, for any future investment in similar heritage programmes, funding

should be flexible and spread over a longer period. If funding is accessed

through government schemes with annualised accounting, projects need to have

robust forecasting systems and trained staff to manage the complex funding

plan. Funding processes must anticipate long lead times to: ensure momentum

is maintained; capitalise on the hard work of staff in developing trust with

private property owners and; ensure properties can be reinstated or repaired to

a high standard with as few delays as possible.

1.9 Although further funding from existing sources, Derby and Derbyshire

Economic Partnership, Heritage Lottery Fund, Derbyshire County Council, Belper

Town Council and Amber Valley Borough Council is unlikely to be realised in the

short term, there is a need for some form of public sector investment into a

similar Scheme to maintain the quality and heritage of Belper and Milford.

1.10 Help for businesses to survive over the coming months in these difficult

economic times would be beneficial. Although Belper appears to be less

affected at present by the economic conditions, any assistance would clearly be

welcomed. The DDEP created and funded business support, marketing and

Survive & Thrive events offered through Business Link across the area, including

one which is to be in Belper, are designed to help businesses through the

current economic situation.

1.11 There were some concerns about the introduction of the new 2 hour

parking on Green Lane. A review by Amber Valley Borough Council is

recommended to monitor the impact on local trade.

1.12 It is recommended that in order to promote the work of the Scheme to the

wider community, the findings of the Townscape Heritage Initiative Report

should be disseminated more widely.


2.2.2.2. CONSULTANCY BRIEFCONSULTANCY BRIEFCONSULTANCY BRIEFCONSULTANCY BRIEF

2.2.2.2.1111 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground

The Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative is a Market Town

Regeneration Initiative which has targeted key buildings and areas within Belper

Town Centre and the adjoining settlement of Milford.

The overall aim of this five year project is to make the area more competitive

and attractive to local shoppers and to build on the opportunity of the World

Heritage Site status of the area to create a world class tourist destination.

The project consists of four key strands:

• Building RepairsBuilding RepairsBuilding RepairsBuilding Repairs – repairs to target commercial properties in King Street and

the Market Place and to the Strutt Housing including structural repairs, re-

roofing and replacement windows and rainwater goods.

• Reinstatement of Architectural DetailReinstatement of Architectural DetailReinstatement of Architectural DetailReinstatement of Architectural Detail – reinstatement of lost architectural

features to commercial buildings in King Street, the Market Place and to

Strutt Housing; including reinstatement of traditional shop fronts and

removal of inappropriate features.

• Bringing Vacant Floor Space into UseBringing Vacant Floor Space into UseBringing Vacant Floor Space into UseBringing Vacant Floor Space into Use – to increase the vitality and viability of

the town by bringing vacant space into economic use - the key target area is

the Market Place.

• Enhancing Tourism AppealEnhancing Tourism AppealEnhancing Tourism AppealEnhancing Tourism Appeal – key tourism appeal works aimed at creating a

quality historic environment and infrastructure for national and international

visitors.

The project has been public and private sector funded with the majority of

public sector grant funding being supported by the Derby and Derbyshire

Economic Partnership and the Heritage Lottery Fund.


2.22.22.22.2 TenderTenderTenderTender Specification Specification Specification Specification

Peter Stone Consulting Limited has been retained by the Derby and Derbyshire

Economic Partnership to conduct a Final Evaluation of the Belper and Milford

Townscape Heritage Initiative with specific reference to the:

• total amount of project spend

• breakdown of public, private and lottery funding into the project

• outputs, outcomes and impact achieved to date

• an evaluation of the additional impact proposed future works will have for

the project

• overall sustainability of the project

• future prospects for the project

The tender brief advised that the consultancy would require:

• consultation with Amber Valley Borough Council and the Heritage Lottery

Fund;

• at least one site visit to the area and;

• the undertaking of a desk based assessment of project related paperwork


3.3.3.3. METHMETHMETHMETHODOLOGY ODOLOGY ODOLOGY ODOLOGY

The methodology adopted for the Final Evaluation involved both qualitative and

quantitative methods to assess the requirements of the brief:

• total amount of project spend

• breakdown of public, private and lottery funding into the project

• outputs, outcomes and impact achieved to date

• an evaluation of the additional impact proposed future works will have for

the project

• overall sustainability of the project

• future prospects for the project

To confirm expenditure, funding, outputs and outcomes; evidence was gathered

primarily from the project files and records and monitoring information held by

Amber Valley Borough Council (AVBC) including monitoring returns as reported

to Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership. A meeting with Wendy Burridge,

Funding Officer, and inspection of project documentation formed the basis for

this element of the report.

An in-depth assessment of properties was carried out during the Mid Term

Evaluation. Now, at the end of the Scheme, 75 projects have been successfully

completed. The table overleaf shows the properties selected for further

examination.

Face-to-face or telephone interviews were conducted with commercial property

owners/managers. Two were revisited from the Mid Term Evaluation, five new

ones and three residential property owners as indicated in the table overleaf. An

assessment of the project file was carried out which covered the financial

monitoring and management, outputs and review of evidence of the process

from application to contract, viewing invoices and referencing payments back to

the reconciliation sheets and Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership

quarterly claims.

This process was not an audit, but merely a “spot check” that adequate systems

were adopted. In order to draw out some views and opinions, a range of

techniques has been used to gather information to complement the factual

evidence:


• Street surveys were carried out with the general public during the

morning of 24th February 2009, along King Street, near British Red Cross

& Hallmark (7–9 King Street), Fresh Ground Café/Bar (61 King Street) and

Romac (78 King Street) to determine the views of people who live in and

around or visit the town and use the services.

• Face-to-face and telephone interviews were carried out with commercial

property owners or managers and telephone interviews were conducted

with a sample of residential property owners between 24th February and

5th March 2009.

• Visits to three premises were undertaken on 24th February 2009, and

others were viewed from the street. These were 5 King Street, 7–9 King

Street, Fresh Ground Café/Bar and Romac.

Property Property Property Property

RefRefRefReferenceerenceerenceerence

Scheme TypeScheme TypeScheme TypeScheme Type Interview Interview Interview Interview ––––

TelTelTelTelephone/ ephone/ ephone/ ephone/

FaceFaceFaceFace----totototo----FaceFaceFaceFace

Evaluation AssessEvaluation AssessEvaluation AssessEvaluation Assess----

ment on Project File ment on Project File ment on Project File ment on Project File

Carried OutCarried OutCarried OutCarried Out

Joseph Street Residential � Telephone �

Congregational

Church

Residential � Telephone �

Hopping Hill,

Milford

Residential � Telephone �

5 King Street Commercial

(currently to let)

Viewed property

from street

�

7–9 King Street Commercial Viewed property

from street

�

Romac Commercial � Face 2 face �

The Ritz

Cinema

Commercial �Telephone � Overview of data

carried out for Mid

Term evaluation

Fresh Ground

Café/Bar

Commercial � Face 2 face � (Carried out for

Mid Term

evaluation)

All members of the Steering Group were invited to complete an e-questionnaire

(shown as Appendix Two). There was an 82% response rate from group members

who provided information about the benefits and challenges of the Scheme, the

impact upon residents, businesses and visitors to Belper, sustainability of the

work already carried out by the Scheme and how it could best be progressed.


Interviews were conducted with Jeremy Fenn of the Heritage Lottery Fund and

Richard Peats, Paul Drury Partnership, appointed by the Heritage Lottery Fund to

oversee the day-to-day delivery of the Scheme.

Desk research was carried out to review available data relating to tourism, crime

and community safety and the impact of the current economic conditions facing

the country, not only Belper. Telephone conversations provided information

about residential property values in Belper and other initiatives that contribute to

the regeneration of Belper, such as the World Heritage Site and the Green

Commercial Centres project.

New data created during the life of the Scheme was hard to find, and

establishing externally generated evidence was difficult to source.


4.4.4.4. CONTEXT OF THE SCHEMECONTEXT OF THE SCHEMECONTEXT OF THE SCHEMECONTEXT OF THE SCHEME

4444.1.1.1.1 Description of the AreaDescription of the AreaDescription of the AreaDescription of the Area

Belper is an historic market town in the Borough of Amber Valley, lying in the

heart of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, which was inscribed in

December 2001. It is eight miles north of Derby, on the A6, by the River

Derwent, and has a population of 20,548 (2001 census). The town has

experienced a long period of economic decline due to the collapse of the textile

industries which have now virtually ended.

The main focus of the commercial activity of the Belper and Milford Townscape

Heritage Initiative is in and around the Market Place and the top of King Street,

the main shopping street in Belper. Although the gradient is not steep, the

Memorial Gardens creates a natural divide between this area and the lower end

of King Street. Opposite is the Green Lane development, on the former site of

Green Hall, the Strutt family residence. This now houses the national retail chain

M&Co, and a bar which have opened in recent months. The Ritz Cinema is

located here, next to the Memorial Gardens, and has proved to be the “jewel in

the crown” of the Scheme, stimulating economic activity.

Popular Farmers’ Markets take place monthly on the Market Place attracting

around 20 stalls and are well attended by visitors and local people.

The Clusters residential area which leads from King Street via Green Lane is

within the Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative. The area is of

particular heritage and historical value to the town.

The residential area within Milford, including East and West Terrace and Hopping

Hill, also form part of the Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative.

Appendix Three shows the specific eligible areas which are covered by the

Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative.

4444.2.2.2.2 Background to the Background to the Background to the Background to the SchemeSchemeSchemeScheme

The Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative began in October 2004 and

has been running for five years. The aim has been to make the area more

competitive and attractive to local shoppers and build on the World Heritage Site

status. It has been an ambitious plan with 75 individual projects completed - 53

residential and 12 commercial properties, 4 public realm projects and 6


feasibility studies. The evidence gathered for the Final Evaluation from the

Steering Group, property owners and the Heritage Lottery Fund Officer has

shown that the quality of works undertaken has been high, that there are

significant benefits for the local area and, key stakeholders, funding partners,

commercial property owners and local residents alike have been very positive

about the results of the Scheme.

A number of the properties have benefited from more than one application

under one of the four strands: repairs, reinstatement of architectural detail,

bringing vacant floor space into use and enhancing tourism appeal.

Beneficiaries have found the process smooth and easy to understand. The

Scheme supports both residential properties and commercial premises and is

due to finish on the 31st March 2009.

4444.3 .3 .3 .3 Management andManagement andManagement andManagement and Administration of the Scheme Administration of the Scheme Administration of the Scheme Administration of the Scheme

For the majority of the lifetime of this project, two staff members were employed

to be responsible for running the Scheme, Francesca Machin – Project Officer

(full-time) and Elizabeth Rowbottom - Administration Assistant (3 days per

week). Francesca left in December 2008 and Elizabeth retired in April 2008. In

addition, their work has been supported by Amber Valley Borough Council

Officers, from the service areas of Planning, Regeneration, Finance and Legal.

Wendy Burridge, Funding Officer, has overseen the conclusion of the project

from January 2009.

4.44.44.44.4 PublicityPublicityPublicityPublicity

Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative has had regular publicity

through the local media such as Belper Community News, Belper News and BBC

Radio Derby and Derbyshire Life. The Scheme also picked up two regional

awards from the Royal Town Planning Institute’s East Midlands Planning Awards.

Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative appears to be a major

component of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site (DVMWHS); its

achievements are recognised in the Annual Report 2007/08.

The Project Officer contributed regularly to The “World Heritage News from the

Derwent Valley” with updated information and news about the Belper and Milford

Townscape Heritage Initiative. Belper Townscape Heritage Initiative has 2 full

pages within Issue 8 2008 DVM Newsletter.


4.54.54.54.5 Overview of Major POverview of Major POverview of Major POverview of Major Projectsrojectsrojectsrojects

Of the 75 projects completed as part of the Scheme, all have made a

contribution to the overall impact on Belper, but some stand out as particularly

meeting the objectives of the Scheme. This is evidenced through comments from

local residents, the Steering Group and other stakeholders. Furthermore the

larger projects have a long lead time from initial discussions with property

owners to their final completion.

Of greatest significance to the town continues to be The Belper Ritz Cinema, an

independent cinema offering a variety of films in a high quality environment

which draws people from out of town and in turn provides new trade for the

nearby shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. The Congregational Church has also

been recognised as making a significant difference to the town, particularly as it

was in a very poor state of repair prior to the investment.

The Ritz Cinema development, for example, was two years in the development

phase. Once the grant was approved (£140,000 towards a £250,000 project),

the major works were completed between April and October 2006, with first

screenings taking place in early November 2006. The benefits to the town of this

particular project have been huge. The Ritz owner mentioned that there are

many examples of her customers enjoying a film and then using the other

services in the town for shopping, food and drink. The owner did indicate that

the newly implemented 2 hours parking has hindered customers, to the extent

that they have to leave part way through a film to “feed the parking meter”.

Other customers simply leave Belper straight after the film and do not have time

to use other services in the town.

Public HPublic HPublic HPublic Hall andall andall andall and The The The The Ritz Cinema before and after works Ritz Cinema before and after works Ritz Cinema before and after works Ritz Cinema before and after works

From this …………………… to this


A further example of a major project is the Congregational Church, which began

in March 2005 and finally completed in March 2008 (£180,000 grant) with the

total cost of works of £300,000. There were many challenges to this prominent

development, not least the change of use from church to residential property

and the sensitive repairs required for the building.

Congregational Church Congregational Church Congregational Church Congregational Church –––– completed March 2008 completed March 2008 completed March 2008 completed March 2008 ---- Cost: £300,000 Cost: £300,000 Cost: £300,000 Cost: £300,000

Repairs:

. Stained glass windows

. Reroofing

. Stonework

. Pointing

. Step realignment

. Repair to wrought iron

balustrade

. Doors

“Without the grant, it is very unlikely that the

work would have been done on the

Congregational Church”.

Simon Foote Architects

“The Townscape Heritage Initiative helped to

save the Congregational Church, it would have

fallen down without the investment”.

Steering Group Member


Evidence of a Public Realm project is the Masterplan for the Market Place. It

commenced in February 2007 and was completed in August 2007. The report

sets the vision for the Market Place area. It will not have immediate physical

benefits to Belper, but has highlighted how the market place could be improved

in the long term. Currently, the Market Place is used for the monthly Farmers’

Markets which continue to attract visitors and shoppers.

Public Realm Public Realm Public Realm Public Realm ---- Cost: £68,160 Cost: £68,160 Cost: £68,160 Cost: £68,160

. Consultation with stakeholders

. Public presentation

. Interim report

. Final report with 3 potential options for development

. Final public presentation


The Herbert Strutt School Feasibility Study is another project completed under

the Public Realm strand:

The Herbert Strutt School The Herbert Strutt School The Herbert Strutt School The Herbert Strutt School ---- Cost: £14,900 Cost: £14,900 Cost: £14,900 Cost: £14,900 ---- completed June 2008 completed June 2008 completed June 2008 completed June 2008

Work undertaken:

. Production of Feasibility Report for potential future uses of the former

school


5555. FINDINGS. FINDINGS. FINDINGS. FINDINGS

5.15.15.15.1 Analysis of Analysis of Analysis of Analysis of Funding, Outputs and Funding, Outputs and Funding, Outputs and Funding, Outputs and OutcomesOutcomesOutcomesOutcomes

Figures included in the financial table below have been extracted from the

Townscape Heritage Initiative original approved budgets (column a), column (b)

shows the confirmed expenditure based on the latest quarterly claim and

column (c) shows the final anticipated amounts of expenditure when the project

concludes on 31st March 2009. Figures include the cost to administer the

Scheme, the evaluation as well as grants and feasibility studies.

FundingFundingFundingFunding Planned Planned Planned Planned

Lifetime Total Lifetime Total Lifetime Total Lifetime Total

(a)(a)(a)(a)

Actual Spend Actual Spend Actual Spend Actual Spend

to December to December to December to December

2008 (b)2008 (b)2008 (b)2008 (b)

Planned Planned Planned Planned

expenditure expenditure expenditure expenditure

to 31 March to 31 March to 31 March to 31 March

2009200920092009 (c)(c)(c)(c)

Variance Variance Variance Variance

between between between between

(Column(Column(Column(Column

a a a a –––– b b b b ---- c)c)c)c)

Derby and

Derbyshire

Economic

Partnership/

EMDA

£718,246 £559,882 £9,700 -£148,664

Heritage Lottery

Fund

£1,000,000 £974,791 £10,718 -£14,491

Amber Valley

Borough Council

£291,000 £259,794 £4,594 -£26,612

Derbyshire

County Council

£50,000 £50,000 £0 £0

Belper Town

Council

£28,900 £28,900 £0 £0

Private Sector £812,125 £723,481 £5,562 -£83,082

TotalTotalTotalTotal £2,900,271£2,900,271£2,900,271£2,900,271 £2,5£2,5£2,5£2,596,84896,84896,84896,848 ££££30,57430,57430,57430,574 ----£272,849£272,849£272,849£272,849

The Heritage Lottery Fund approved a grant of up to £1m over the 5 years. The

Heritage Lottery Fund is supportive of ‘heritage-led’ economic regeneration and

sees that the area is of heritage and tourism significance. A very popular

Heritage Trail and interpretation panel has been created in the residential area of

The Clusters. Work by local residents to their own properties has enhanced this

area for visitors.

The priority properties identified in the original Action Plan have been completed

and the Steering Group are generally happy that the most appropriate properties


were targeted and completed with private sector investment matching public

funds. Recognition of the commitment that businesses and indeed home-

owners have made throughout the investment and the high standards of

workmanship adopted by architects and builders have also been recognised by

staff, the Steering Group and local residents alike.

The Scheme has been financed with a complex mix of funding. Derby and

Derbyshire Economic Partnership works on the basis of a three year maximum

funding contract with annual allocations of revenue or capital. The Heritage

Lottery Fund offers funding on a five year timeframe and private sector

investment is reliant upon the confidence and commitment of a number of

private individuals and business owners.

More recently, following the Mid Term Evaluation, there were delays in agreeing

the funding package for 2007/08. The final application to Derby and Derbyshire

Economic Partnership for Phase II funding was submitted by Amber Valley

Borough Council on 5th March 2007 and the ‘Single Programme Agreement for

Grants’ letter was provided on 12th June 2007. This was finally signed by both

parties on 9th July 2007. The level of grant was £181,300 which, together with

an evaluation fund of £9,700, offered a total of £191,000. This was to be

matched by £191,000 from Amber Valley Borough Council.

Throughout the Scheme, Amber Valley Borough Council, Heritage Lottery Fund,

and Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership worked on a number of options

to help to progress works. However, given the complex nature of the Scheme,

some delays did occur.

Following this time of uncertainty, Amber Valley Borough Council and the THI

Steering Group examined the risks and took the decision not to use the Phase II

allocation from Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership. Therefore the

scheme was reduced and capital works were completed within the existing

budget funded from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the private sector and Amber

Valley Borough Council.

With complicated projects such as this, using a raft of different funding streams,

it is crucial that all of the demands of the Scheme are built into the programme

management plan to allow adequate time for decisions to be made, to maintain

confidence for private investors and to avoid delays and loss of momentum on

the project in general.


OutputsOutputsOutputsOutputs ********Planned Planned Planned Planned

Lifetime Lifetime Lifetime Lifetime

TotalTotalTotalTotal (a) (a) (a) (a)

Actual to Actual to Actual to Actual to

December December December December

2008200820082008 (b) (b) (b) (b)

Planned to Planned to Planned to Planned to

31 March 31 March 31 March 31 March

2009 2009 2009 2009 (c)(c)(c)(c)

Variance Variance Variance Variance

between between between between

((((Columns a Columns a Columns a Columns a ––––

b+c)b+c)b+c)b+c)

*C1a Jobs created 4.6 2.6 0 -2

*T1 Job creation

(replacing C1a in May

07)

2 2 0 0

C4 new business (12

month survival)

1.5 1.5 0 0

*KPI 21

housing/employment

floorspace (msq)

(replaced S10a & S10b

in May 07)

7,384 10,727 542 +3,885

*S10a new/refurb

employment

floorspace (msq)

560 0 +560

*S10b new/refurb

housing floorspace

(msq)

1,685 2,674 0 +989

* Output KPI 21 replaced both S10a and S10b in May 2007 and T1 replaced C1a in May

2007 when EMDA released their new targetry framework.

** The planned lifetime figures are taken from the Mid Term Evaluation.

The data tables do not give a full picture of the activity on the ground, and

additional evidence gathered provides information about the impact of the

Scheme from the perspective of local businesses, visitors and the community.

Analysis of Steering Group ConsultationAnalysis of Steering Group ConsultationAnalysis of Steering Group ConsultationAnalysis of Steering Group Consultation

All 11 Steering Group members were contacted to complete the survey. 9

completed questionnaires were submitted, giving an 82% response rate.

Steering Group members were generally very happy with the achievements of the

Scheme. One respondent commented that all of the residential and commercial

projects have played their part in raising the heritage standards, so no one

project stood out. Some of the specific highlights identified were:


• Positive partnership working of the Steering Group

• Willingness of local people to get involved and their enthusiasm for the

Scheme

• Key buildings restored, such as The Ritz, Congregational Church and

Romac

• The number of small residential properties that have been completed

• Many residents have had the opportunity to improve their homes

Some 50% of the respondents noted that the uncertainty of the funding had

delayed or disrupted projects which emphasises the need for careful planning

when a project relies upon a complex funding package.

When asked whether the correct properties had been targeted, the response

from those consulted was unanimously positive, although a few negative

comments about particular projects which were not perhaps personal priorities

were received. These included the suggestion that the Coppice Car Park should

not have been a priority, the Market Place Study was too costly, and that the

Market Head was disappointing.

The Steering Group were asked what they hoped people would remember about

the Scheme, giving the following responses:

• The legacy is of lasting refurbishment/restoration of heritage sensitive

buildings, both public and private

• Progress made in 5 years from a fairly non-descript dormitory town to a

far more vibrant and distinctive market town

• That relatively modest funding can have a massively beneficial effect upon

a town such as Belper

• The huge difference it made to the top of King Street and the Market

Place

• Co-operation between the people of Belper, community groups and

public sector bodies – good partnership working


Romac Motor Equipment Store, 78 King StreetRomac Motor Equipment Store, 78 King StreetRomac Motor Equipment Store, 78 King StreetRomac Motor Equipment Store, 78 King Street

Completed Completed Completed Completed –––– November 2008 November 2008 November 2008 November 2008

Total Cost £46,994 (grant £31,949)Total Cost £46,994 (grant £31,949)Total Cost £46,994 (grant £31,949)Total Cost £46,994 (grant £31,949)

Before

After

Reinstatement:

. Shop front

. Increased floor space

. Cast iron rainwater goods

“We’re very pleased with the

reinstatement, it is doubtful whether

the work would have been done

without the grant”

Romac Manager


5.25.25.25.2 Management andManagement andManagement andManagement and Administration of the Scheme Administration of the Scheme Administration of the Scheme Administration of the Scheme

The Project Officer and Administration Assistant handled the day-to-day activity

of the Scheme, maintaining contact with the range of property owners. Staff had

a good rapport with residents, commercial property owners, builders and

architects alike, evidenced by comments from each group during the interviews.

As a result of working in such a way, costly delays for the owners were

minimised.

Evidence gathered confirms that project files and information were well recorded

and that there were clear guidelines for any projects with slow spend and

everything was done to ensure each project worked towards agreed deadlines.

The Scheme has been overseen by a local Steering Group who meet regularly.

Members include representatives of the three local authorities - Town, Borough

and County Councils; the Project Officer for the World Heritage Site; local

residents and organisations from the Belper and Milford areas and conservation

specialists.

Further detail about the systems and structures that have been in place during

the Scheme can be found in the Mid Term Evaluation Report produced in

February 2007.

Evidence gathered from Heritage Lottery Fund Officers, project staff and Steering

Group members indicates that large capital projects within a Scheme of this

nature have long lead times, typically up to 2 years but these can be as long as 3

years in the case of projects such as Belper’s Congregational Church. The

Scheme needs to be flexible enough and with long lead times to work with

private sector investors who, in many cases, will put a significant level of

personal finance into their project. Project staff worked consistently hard to

promote the Scheme, develop interest and build a level of trust, confidence and

understanding with private sector property owners to move to the delivery stage

of each project.

Now the Scheme is complete, and staff are no longer in post, Amber Valley

Borough Council must ensure that robust and appropriate systems are in place

to meet funding conditions with regard to audit requirements, future impact of

the project and the claw-back of funds should properties be sold.


Application Process for Residential PApplication Process for Residential PApplication Process for Residential PApplication Process for Residential Propertiesropertiesropertiesroperties

Of those interviewed, respondents found the process of applying for and

receiving grants to be “very” or “fairly” easy.

The heritage advisors were praised for their support and knowledgeable advice.

Despite problems such as negotiating with Highways for erecting scaffolding;

getting an appropriate heritage quality finish or getting the correct heritage

specification for windows, people were happy with the process.

Respondents were very pleased with the work that they have had done and there

was a mixed response as to whether the work would have been done anyway. It

is likely that work would not have been done to the same standards or level of

investment. Respondents said that, if they had been asked 6 months ago, they

would have considered that property values had increased following the works,

even if it was a relatively small level. The current economic climate has,

however, lowered residents’ expectations. Evidence from Hannells Estate Agents

has confirmed that prices, especially of the older properties in Belper, have

remained strong and sales in Belper have held up better than their other

branches, despite trends in the national property market.

36 George Street 36 George Street 36 George Street 36 George Street –––– Completed June Completed June Completed June Completed June 2007 2007 2007 2007

Total Cost £5,864Total Cost £5,864Total Cost £5,864Total Cost £5,864 (grant £4,691 (grant £4,691 (grant £4,691 (grant £4,691))))

Before

After

Repairs:

. 5 sliding sash windows

. 1 casement window

. 1 hopper window

. Front door


5.35.35.35.3 Strategies, Activities and Initiatives in BelperStrategies, Activities and Initiatives in BelperStrategies, Activities and Initiatives in BelperStrategies, Activities and Initiatives in Belper

Much of the official quantitative evidence gathered for this Final Evaluation has

not been updated since the Mid Term Evaluation. A review was carried out of

the broad strategic documents as well as plans covering themes and issues of

direct community concern such as the proposed Tesco development and crime

and community safety.

Economic information has been gleaned from the 10 year AVBC Regeneration

Strategy 2005 – 2015, latest tourism figures for Derbyshire and The Peak District

(which includes Belper) which date back to 2007 when the last official data was

gathered and crime and disorder figures from the Amber Valley Community

Safety Plan 2008 – 11.

New primary evidence collected in the surveys offers qualitative information and

is anecdotal. It provides up-to-date information from professionals and local

residents about the impact of the Scheme.

People involved in the Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative, the

private sector investors and beneficiaries of commercial and residential

properties and also the general public overall, confirmed that the Townscape

Heritage Initiative raised heritage standards and ‘civic pride’ in the area. With

commercial premises offering quality places to eat and drink and the Ritz

cinema, a more diverse evening economy has developed. Overall the ‘offer’ has

improved for visitors and local people generated by the significant heritage

regeneration of the high street and heritage residential areas, which are of

interest to visitors and the local community.

Private sector investment has played a significant role in the Scheme.

Commercial confidence is critical to any further investment which may occur

following the completion of the Scheme, particularly in the current economic

climate.

“The area looks lovely, Townscape Heritage Initiative

really has revived this end of town”.

Local Resident


Should any future public funding be identified and secured, it is likely to consist

of a mixture of funders with different criteria, therefore realistic forecasting and

robust project management techniques must be in place so as to avoid the

delays in funding that have had an impact upon this project. The results of

which have led to a loss of momentum which could in turn lose commercial

confidence. There is evidence, from this report, that delays in securing future

funding brings uncertainty for project staff which also needs to be planned for.

There is overwhelming support and acknowledgement that the staff team has

been one of the main factors in such a dramatic and positive turnaround of

confidence in the project and in maintaining the momentum.

Fresh Ground Café/BarFresh Ground Café/BarFresh Ground Café/BarFresh Ground Café/Bar

Fresh Ground have been pleased with the work and resulting trade since its

completion although the owner did report concerns about the new parking

policy of limiting parking to 2 hours in Green Lane and feels that it is beginning

to result in visitors to Belper cutting their visit short and not having time to

explore everything that Belper has to offer. However, it is important to note that

parking on the Coppice Car Park, just off the Market Place, is free of charge.

This car park was improved as part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative.

Green Commercial CentresGreen Commercial CentresGreen Commercial CentresGreen Commercial Centres

This is an initiative supported by Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership

through the Amber Valley Partnership (Local Strategic Partnership). Funding was

Fresh Ground with completed frontage

After

Before


approved in July 2008 for a three year project across each of the Market Towns

in the Amber Valley. There are three strands:

I) Shop front improvements

II) Resource Efficiency Grant

III) Commercial Space Green Grant

Of particular significance to the Belper Townscape Heritage Initiative is the shop

front improvements strand. This grant has tended to be taken up by tenants

wishing to repaint the shop front and add a new sign. A grant is available up to

£10,000 with a 50% match funding element. Three shops’ fronts have been

awarded a grant in Belper. This grant helps to improve the image of Belper High

Street through the creation of more attractive shop fronts. However, it is not as

in depth as the Townscape Heritage Initiative, which assists physical repairs of

the structure of buildings as shown in the example below:

7 to7 to7 to7 to 9 King Street 9 King Street 9 King Street 9 King Street ---- c c c completed May 2007ompleted May 2007ompleted May 2007ompleted May 2007

Cost: £3,474 (grant £2Cost: £3,474 (grant £2Cost: £3,474 (grant £2Cost: £3,474 (grant £2,,,,779)779)779)779) under Townscape Heritage Initiative under Townscape Heritage Initiative under Townscape Heritage Initiative under Townscape Heritage Initiative

After works

Works:

. Sliding sash windows to front

. Original window alignment

. 2 stone sills


Derwent Valley Partnership Schemes in Conservation AreasDerwent Valley Partnership Schemes in Conservation AreasDerwent Valley Partnership Schemes in Conservation AreasDerwent Valley Partnership Schemes in Conservation Areas

This grant scheme covers the World Heritage Site including the Belper and

Milford Conservation Area and aims to promote economic regeneration. Grant

funding can contribute towards external structural repairs and the reinstatement

of lost external architectural detail. The Partnership Grant Scheme is funded by

English Heritage, the County Council, Amber Valley Borough Council and Belper

Town Council.


6. 6. 6. 6. MEASURING ADDITIONAL IMPACT OF THE SCHEMEMEASURING ADDITIONAL IMPACT OF THE SCHEMEMEASURING ADDITIONAL IMPACT OF THE SCHEMEMEASURING ADDITIONAL IMPACT OF THE SCHEME

Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative is a significant programme of

activity that has affected economic, social, tourism, heritage and environmental

aspects of the town. In order to explore how the Townscape Heritage Initiative

has and can continue to have an impact on the area, research was carried out on

the wider context, influences and strategic activity that is also playing its part to

make improvements for the local community and visitors to the area.

6.16.16.16.1 Economic ImpactEconomic ImpactEconomic ImpactEconomic Impact

The Amber Valley Regeneration Strategy 2005 – 2015 indicates that “[within] the

World Heritage Site and national heritage corridor, Belper has the potential to

become a major draw for visitors”. The Regeneration Strategy indicates that for

the years between 2003 and 2005 there had been an increase in footfall figures

from around 2,000 to 2,750 and High Street vacancy rates remained fairly

constant at around 4–5%. The Townscape Heritage Initiative is likely to have

contributed to these figures, in conjunction with the World Heritage Site status

that the town enjoys. A comment from a Steering Group member indicates how

the Townscape Heritage Initiative has contributed:

The main objective within the Amber Valley Community Strategy 2006 – 2009

that the Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative contributes to is the

“Thriving Economy and Employment” theme. Through direct action with

businesses supported by the World Heritage Site status, it will also help towards

other aims to: ‘Develop Prosperous Market Towns’ and ‘Establish a Strong

Tourism Base’.

Steering Group members were asked about the impact the Scheme has had on

local businesses. Sixty-two percent (62%) of respondents made the point that it

had enabled businesses to make the most of their premises and improve their

overall appearance. For those businesses that haven’t yet benefited, the Scheme

may prompt them to raise their standards or make them aware of the process

“Belper & Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative has

helped the town to be far more attractive as a

destination for visitors, its distinctiveness is now

easier to appreciate”.



should any future funding be available to help them. It was felt that the Scheme

has showed a better face to Belper.

The residential areas have also seen a vast improvement. Richard Peats of Paul

Drury Partnership mentioned that some people are volunteering to do heritage

improvements to their properties. The collective benefits to tourism have

enhanced the visitor experience around The Clusters area. Hannells Estate

Agents in Belper confirmed that compared to their other offices, Belper’s

residential market has held up better than other areas. In particular the older

houses have remained attractive and have performed better than the newer

housing estates.

6.26.26.26.2 Environmental ImpactEnvironmental ImpactEnvironmental ImpactEnvironmental Impact

Coupled with the benefits of the World Heritage Site status, the work completed

through the Scheme has made an extraordinary environmental impact on Belper

and Milford.

Properties, both commercial and residential have been repaired or reinstated to

a high standard. Local builders have, on the whole, been employed to undertake

works, which raises the experience and skill level for future years.

6.36.36.36.3 Impact uImpact uImpact uImpact upon Crime and Dpon Crime and Dpon Crime and Dpon Crime and Disorderisorderisorderisorder

From the previous Community Safety Strategy 2005 – 2008, an Alcohol Free

Zone was introduced into the town centre which promotes sensible drinking

habits. A Shop Watch Scheme continues to be used by around 80 businesses. A

Radio Link scheme keeps businesses in touch with each other. One shop

manager mentioned that whilst it is useful, fewer shops are turning on the radio.

Larger shops, which are naturally bigger targets for theft, are not keeping the

“Businesses in the new cultural quarter do appear to

be very busy despite the economic climate”.


The Scheme has made people more aware of the

heritage around them and to develop pride in where

they live”. Steering Group Member


smaller ones informed. It is difficult to determine whether the Townscape

Heritage Initiative has contributed to reductions in crime figures, as there has

also been significant input from the Community Safety Team. It is true that the

Scheme has provided a wider range of activities that attracts a broader range of

people to the town centre in the day and evenings. This includes the Belper Ritz

Cinema and food and drink establishments as well as a good range of local

shops. An increased number of people visit the town at night and this may help

to reduce levels of crime and fear of crime.

Amber Valley Community Safety Plan 2008-2011 will focus on four objectives,

three of which will have an impact on Belper Town Centre:

• To reduce anti-social behaviour – by improving perception and to

reduce the fear of crime and develop safer and cleaner environments

• Assault with Injury - To reduce alcohol related violent crime and harm

caused by alcohol and drug misuse

• Acquisitive Crime – to reduce thefts of vehicles and drug use

Comparatively, crime levels in Belper are relatively low now than in recent years.

Information from the Amber Valley Community Safety Partnership - Strategic

Intelligence Assessment 2008 confirmed that Belper still does suffer from petty

anti-social behaviour and nuisance, often related to alcohol. In the past Belper

suffered from drug related issues but this has now reduced over the past 8

years.

6.6.6.6.4444 Impact Impact Impact Impact upon Tourismupon Tourismupon Tourismupon Tourism

Visitor numbers to the town were around 725,000 in 2001 (an estimation was

made for this Scheme, based upon the Amber Valley Borough Council Tourism

Economic Impact Assessment 2000 research). Due to changes at a regional

tourism level, Derbyshire has upgraded its methodology from the Cambridge

model to the ‘STEAM’ (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) model

of capturing and assessing visitor numbers and statistics. As a result, directly

comparative figures are not available until base line figures are re-established.

However, figures gathered for Derbyshire and the Peak District area from the

STEAM research model suggest a slight increase in the economic impact of

tourism when the Scheme began in 2004 (£1.37bn) and 2007 (£1.4bn). Visitor

numbers were slightly less in 2007 (36.07m) compared to 2004 (36.25m). Spend

by day visitors reduced from £908.52m in 2004 to £899.65m in 2007.


As at February 2009 and partly due to the restructuring of Amber Valley Borough

Council, no fresh visitor information was available. The Derwent Valley Mills

World Heritage Site (DVMWHS) Co-ordinator, Adrian Farmer, also confirmed that

visitor numbers were not being collected specifically for Belper. However,

Adrian commented that the Townscape Heritage Initiative works have

contributed to the tourism appeal, in particular for visitors enjoying the Heritage

walks around The Clusters.

During April 2007 to April 2008, DVMWHS carried out a random survey of 693

visitors to the key sites. Of significance to Belper, the survey found that 9.2%

were foreign visitors and 16.7% were repeat visitors. The age split showed that

the Over 60’s were the majority visitors:

Under 24 - 12%

24–44 - 18%

45-59 – 33%

Over 60 - 37%

Visits to the DVMWHS website also suggest a high level of interest. Between

April 1st 2007 and March 31st 2008, the www.derwentvalleymills.org website

was visited by, on average, by 392 visitors per day.

A research report produced for Visit Britain entitled ‘Domestic Tourism and the

Credit Crunch’ produced in October 2008, suggests that whilst people see a

holiday as a necessity rather than a luxury, there is a strong desire to save

money. This may also have a positive impact on Belper, and day visitor numbers

may benefit the town due to its proximity to Derby and Nottingham.

Further information from Visit Britain also suggests that the value of inbound

travel trade is set to decline in 2009. This will affect visitor numbers who may

have been attracted by the World Heritage Site, which includes Belper.

Anecdotally, the Fresh Ground Café/Bar owner commented that her trade has

withstood the fears of the economic downturn. As people are affected directly by

job losses or know of others being made redundant, potential customers may

“Housing area of The Clusters gives a good

impression of Belper for visitors who enjoy the

heritage trail around this part of Belper”.



turn to support their local economy as they can see how their cash can make a

real impact locally.

The Steering Group were also asked about the impact of the Scheme upon

visitors. They considered that the Scheme has made the town more attractive,

lively and varied. The lovely buildings now show off the architecture and the

cinema has brought in lots of visitors, some stated.

6.6.6.6.5555 Impact Impact Impact Impact uuuupon the Local Cpon the Local Cpon the Local Cpon the Local Communityommunityommunityommunity

People surveyed on 24th February for the Final Evaluation covered a broad age

range, from 20’s to over 60, both male and female. Properties that people had

used were the Ritz, Black Swan Public House and local shops. Comments upon

the quality of work, included “looks lovely”, “it is a big improvement, excellent”.

Everyone surveyed felt that there is a good mix of local shops and services in

Belper town centre.

When asked what benefits this sort of regeneration brings to Belper, people

thought that it is now a place where people want to come, it is a bonus and that

it was a good use of public money. The popularity of the cinema was mentioned

in that there is a high demand for some films. On the whole, people felt Belper

to be a better place to live.

When asked about further investment, everyone recognised the impact so far,

and that further investment would help to improve the whole area. However, it

was noted that the scheme is reliant upon property owners and their willingness

to invest.

Steering Group members recognised the significant numbers of people who had

improved their homes. They considered that people are pleased with the

Scheme, evidenced by them having only good things to say about it.

The Scheme has created a more attractive appearance of the town and facilities

have improved, especially in Upper King Street/Market Place and it has improved

people’s lives by making the town more attractive and lively.

6666....6666 Sustaining the Sustaining the Sustaining the Sustaining the IIIImpact of the Schemempact of the Schemempact of the Schemempact of the Scheme

Since the Mid Term Evaluation it is clear that the town is growing considerably

with commercial and residential developments along the A6 and around. Other

proposed developments such as a Tesco store in the lower area of Belper nearer


the A6 lead some to fear that the focus may be drawn away from the heart of the

town, and indeed damage the Belper and Milford Townscape Heritage Initiative’s

heritage work. It is therefore important that the legacy of the Townscape

Heritage Initiative is firmly built into sustainable future strategies for Belper and

close alignments with the Derwent Valley Mills Partnership and Belper Civic

Forum, for example, are maintained.

By speaking to local people, it has been possible to get an understanding of

some of the tangible benefits and impact that the scheme is having on the town.

For example:

• The Ritz Cinema and Fresh Ground Café/Bar continue to work together to

better serve their customers - such as serving ‘twilight meals’ before cinema

showings.

• Fresh Ground has extended its opening hours and is now offering themed

evenings such as a Spanish Evening planned for March 2009.

• From evidence gathered when speaking to The Ritz’s owners, the

membership scheme has proved very popular. There is a wide range of films

in the monthly programme, including classics and foreign language films.

The target audience is older people, couples and families as popular films are

shown on the “second run” which is up to four weeks after release. This does

not generally appeal to the teenage market, who often want to see films

immediately they are released. The current busy period can be put down to

the ‘Oscars’ season with many people wanting to watch the same films.

Occupancy levels are around 66% over weekly screenings.

• The Cinema, Fresh Ground Café/Bar and the Hall of Frames shop are working

collaboratively - with mirrors and pictures from the shop being shown on the

café walls. This is a good example of businesses working collaboratively

which is likely to be as a result of the Scheme.

“One of the finest independent cinemas has been

established in the town with a bistro-style eating

quarter to support it, offering a top quality experience

for residents”.



• Local builders and craftspeople have worked on a number of projects,

improving their heritage building skills which has raised the quality of their

workmanship and therefore the quality of the properties.

• The Amber Valley Partnership’s Green Commercial Centres Project offers

some assistance to retailers in the form of green grants to improve and

maintain their shop frontage and reduce their carbon footprints.

• The commitment of local Councils and the Belper Civic Forum add to the

strength and potential for the sustainability of any future investment in the

heritage regeneration of Belper.


7777.... CONCLUSIONSCONCLUSIONSCONCLUSIONSCONCLUSIONS

By referring back to the overall aim of this five year project, which was “to make

the area more competitive and attractive to local shoppers and to build on the

opportunity of the World Heritage Site status of the area to create a world class

tourist destination”, it can be said that this has been achieved. Each group that

was interviewed offered an overall positive sense of the Scheme and outputs

have been achieved.

The Evaluation has found evidence that the area has improved economically,

house prices in the older parts of town have remained buoyant and better than

other market towns; people do enjoy shopping in Belper and businesses see

people travelling from further afield and spending more time in the town. The

local community and the Steering Group also endorse that the heritage of the

town is better preserved now and more visible, thus contributing to the aim to

create a world class tourist destination.

The Scheme has not worked in isolation. Probably the most significant influence

is the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site status. In addition, other work

such as that undertaken by the Amber Valley Borough Council Regeneration

Team, Belper Town Council, Community Safety Partnership and Rural Transport

Partnership, have all contributed to public sector investment. The lasting legacy

for Belper must be the tremendous enthusiasm and investment of the private

sector. For Belper, this has not been multi-national developers, but the 53

residential individual property owners and 12 business people who have

invested in the heritage and economic future of the town.

Crime figures are now relatively low in Belper, but vehicle crime, low level anti-

social behaviour and alcohol-related crime can give an overall perception of

crime and contribute to the fear of crime. The greater use of the town during the

evening by people of all ages is likely to have contributed to its increased safety,

coupled with the direct action of the town being an Alcohol Free Zone.

The Green Commercial Centres’ funding via Amber Valley Partnership and Derby

and Derbyshire Economic Partnership has also complemented the Scheme. It

has enhanced the street with freshly painted shop fronts and new signage. This

has been mainly taken up by the tenants, with their landlords’ agreement, to

develop their business opportunities. The Townscape Heritage Initiative has

been able to offer more substantial grants to physically repair or reinstate

heritage features and thus have more of a direct impact on property prices.


Generally the infrastructure and partnerships are in place to ensure Belper will

continue to develop in harmony with the legacy of the Townscape Heritage

Initiative. The Town Council and Borough Council both have a commitment to

Belper and other areas such as the River Gardens will contribute to the overall

improvement of the town.

The proposed Tesco development continues to be a concern for the town, with

the possibility of drawing trade away from the town, and fears of a loss of retail

diversity on the High Street.

Long-term car parking in Belper is not conveniently located. The new 2 hour

parking system has already had some detrimental effects on trade, particularly

for older visitors to the town. People are unable to spend time to explore other

services in the town.

Some form of future financial assistance is required to offer businesses support

to improve their properties, particularly in the current economic climate. At this

time more than ever before, businesses will have limited funds and will want to

invest wisely when making strategic decisions about their businesses and the

development of their properties.

“I’d like people to remember this about the Scheme –

The progress made in five years from a fairly

non-descript dormitory town to a far more vibrant and

distinctive market town”.


8.8.8.8. RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS

a. That any future work should be firmly embedded in area strategies and

link with existing partnerships and initiatives, such as the Derwent Valley

Mills Partnership; and Town and Borough Council Strategies.

b. That interest groups, such as the Belper Civic Forum, Friends of Riverside

Gardens and Friends of Belper Park groups should be supported as they

all play a part in maintaining the high heritage standards in Belper.

c. That the Accountable Body for the Scheme, Amber Valley Borough

Council, has appropriate procedures in place to audit the sale/resale of

commercial properties over the next 10 years since this is a direct

condition of grants with regard to claw back.

d. That for large projects, such as the Congregational Church, a client

account is held by the appointed architect on behalf of the client, as it

ensures the smooth financial running of the project and avoids delays on

the client side.

e. To promote the work of the Scheme to the wider community through the

production of a smaller booklet version of the THI Report for residents.

f. That ongoing funding may be required to ensure the gains achieved by

the Scheme are sustained.

g. That at an appropriate time, Amber Valley Borough Council review the

new 2 hour parking policy on Green Lane in order to monitor the impact

on local trade.

h. That any future heritage programme for Belper must be flexible with

appropriate consideration given to the lead times and varying criteria of

different funders to ensure momentum can be maintained and projects

completed that have a huge impact on the economy, built environment

and local community. This could be achieved in a number of ways –

including enlarging the scope and budget of the English Heritage-led

Derwent Valley Partnership Schemes in Conservation Areas Grant which

could satisfy much of the demand that remains from the Townscape

Heritage Initiative.


AAAAppendix One ppendix One ppendix One ppendix One ---- Bibliography Bibliography Bibliography Bibliography

InteInteInteIntervrvrvrviews/research undertaken withiews/research undertaken withiews/research undertaken withiews/research undertaken with

Wendy Burridge Funding Officer AVBC 25th February 2009

Jeremy Fenn Heritage Lottery Fund 2nd March 2009

Richard Peats Paul Drury Partnership 2nd March 2009

Adrian Farmer Coordinator Derwent Mills 3rd March 2009

Chairman Cllr Alan Cox THI Steering Group 2nd March 2009

Brenda Smithurst DDEP Head of Operations 9th February 2009

Stephen Jackson Regeneration Manager AVBC 2nd March 2009

Agent Hannells Estate Agents, Belper 4th March 2009

Street surveys with residents and visitors

Phone interviews with residential property owners

Face to face interviews with commercial property owners

Evidence and webEvidence and webEvidence and webEvidence and websites ussites ussites ussites used for this mid term evaluationed for this mid term evaluationed for this mid term evaluationed for this mid term evaluation

Websites:

Amber Valley Borough Council www.ambervalley.gov.uk

Derwent Valley Mills www.derwentvalleymills.org

Amber Valley Partnership www.ambervalley-partnership.org.uk

(under development at time of Evaluation research)

Belper Civic Forum www.belpercivicforum.org.uk

East Midlands Tourism www.eastmidlandstourism.co.uk

Visit Britain www.tourismtrade.org.uk

EvidenceEvidenceEvidenceEvidence

THI Steering Group questionnaire

On-street questionnaire

Residential and commercial property owner questionnaires

DDEP Sub-Regional Investment Plan 2008-11

Amber Valley Community Safety Plan 2008-2011

Amber Valley Community Strategy 2006–09


Appendix Two Appendix Two Appendix Two Appendix Two –––– Steering Group Questionnaire Steering Group Questionnaire Steering Group Questionnaire Steering Group Questionnaire

Belper THI Steering Group – Questionnaire February 2009

1. What have been the highlights and less positive elements of the Belper

THI programme (note up to three points for each)

2. Have the right properties/premises been targeted and supported? (Have

there been any specific issues that have had to be overcome?)

3. Has the Programme met its targets and achieved what the Steering Group

set out to accomplish?

4. What would you like people to remember most about this programme of

work?

5. What impact has the THI programme had on Belper, for:

a. Residents & people in its surrounding conurbation who use the

services?

b. Its businesses?

c. Its tourism visitors?

6. How can Belper ensure that it has a sustainable (social, environmental and

economic) future? What organisations, groups or structures need to be in

place to ensure it continues to be a thriving, historic market town?

7. Which relevant initiatives/strategies could the work of the Belper THI

programme link into, to ensure the heritage of Belper is sensitively

developed?

8. Is further investment in the Belper THI area required? If yes, how might

this be funded and what would it achieve?


AAAAppendix Three ppendix Three ppendix Three ppendix Three –––– Belper Maps Belper Maps Belper Maps Belper Maps

Final Belper THI Final Evaluation - Derwent Valley Mills · shoppers and to build on the...

Documents

Transcript of Final Belper THI Final Evaluation - Derwent Valley Mills · shoppers and to build on the...