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Grant scheme available to help restore eligible Maryport buildings for residential purposes

Andrew Gilbert

Andrew Gilbert

Posted on 21 March 2022

Allerdale Borough Council is encouraging owners of eligible properties in the centre of Maryport to make use of a new grant scheme that will enable them to restore unoccupied flats and unused spaces above shops.

The Maryport Residential Conversion Scheme (MRCS), launched on 21 March 2022, aims to help the owners of eligible properties carry out high-quality repair and restoration works that bring unoccupied first floor (or above) floorspace into use for residential purposes.


Grants will be offered to owners of eligible properties to help cover the cost of approved renovation works. Based on the maximum grant available per property, a minimum of 15 properties will be brought back into use for residential purposes as a result of the scheme.

Properties eligible to make an application for funding must be located within the MRCS area, which covers sections of Senhouse Street, Crosby Street and Curzon Street, with the full map available on the council’s website.


Properties must be classed as unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for tax purposes as of the 21 March 2022 and at the time of application, unless the unoccupied space forms part of a larger unit (e.g. an empty storeroom above a shop). Eligible properties must also have independent access from the ground floor or see this created as part of the grant-funded works. Full details of the scheme and eligibility criteria can be found on the council’s website. 


Typically, grant funding will be offered at a rate of 80% of eligible costs, however, each application will be assessed on its own merits and significance, with all offers of grant assistance made at the discretion of Allerdale Borough Council.


The maximum grant available for any eligible property is £75,000.


Councillor Mike Johnson, Allerdale Borough Council’s Leader, said: “We would like to encourage anyone who owns an eligible property within the scheme area to contact us and apply to make use of the grant.


“The scheme is all part of our commitment to improve residential spaces within the centre of Maryport by restoring old buildings and bringing them back into use, which will ultimately contribute to a thriving local community.”


To apply for the scheme, applicants are advised to check the eligibility criteria in full and apply at https://www.allerdale.gov.uk/en/maryport/maryport-residential-conversion-scheme/ before midnight on Sunday 1 May. Applicants will have to register with the MyAllerdale online portal to apply. Anyone with questions about the scheme should contact joe.broomfield@allerdale.gov.uk.


The scheme is all part of the council’s successful bid to the Future High Streets funding pot provided by HM Government.