[21
MAY 99] SPON END BUILDING PRESERVATION TRUST NEWS
Spon End Building Preservation Trust Awarded Two GrantsThe on-going transformation of Coventry's oldest residential area is set to
continue with the award of two grants to the Spon End Building Preservation Trust.
A grant of £183,404 has been awarded by the European
Regional Development Fund which is administered by the Government Office for the West
Midlands.
This comes on top of grants of £230,000 awarded by
Coventry City Council earlier in the year.
The money will enable work to begin on 123-124 Upper Spon
Street (locally known as Moira's Wet Fish Shop), part of a 600 year old Mediaeval Terrace
at the heart of Spon End. The buildings will be restored and converted into the Black Swan
Employment and Enterprise Centre. The Centre, named after the Black Swan Pub which once
occupied part of the row, will provide facilities for community organisations, business
advice, training (especially IT training) and for local people to start their own
businesses in the Spon End district of Coventry. Over 150 sq m of community and business
space will be created which will eventually lead to the creation of 45 jobs.
Further funding will be sought from English Heritage and
the Heritage Lottery Board for the refurbishment of the remaining buildings (119-122 Upper
Spon Street) which may include some residential accommodation and a Heritage Centre.
A smaller grant was awarded earlier this year for the
commissioning of a mural which will decorate the hoardings surrounding the entire site
during restoration works.
The awards are another major boost for the Spon End area
which is transforming its image with a range of environmental enhancement and heritage
schemes.
More Information:Dave Tittle 01203 236037
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