Ballyhoura Development are encouraging local towns to find out more about the newly launched ‘THRIVE’ Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme.

The new fund supports local authorities with up to €7m to re-imagine town centres and to transform publicly owned vacant or derelict heritage buildings through renovation, renewal, and adaptive reuse.

THRIVE was launched by Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Kieran O’Donnell TD, who ‘welcomed the exciting scheme  to breathe new life into towns so that they can function as the sustainable and vibrant heart of the communities they serve.

Heritage buildings under the scheme are classified as structures that form part of the architectural heritage and have unique architectural, historical, archaeological, or artistic qualities, or are linked to the cultural and economic history of a place.

Mary Laffan, Chairperson of Ballyhoura Development, welcomed the funds' focus on a community-led approach to the planning and design for how heritage-led regeneration can conserve and protect valuable local built heritage and create new uses for old spaces.

THRIVE is targeted at key towns and is a competitive funding call, and with 100% grant aid available, it is expected to be highly competitive.

The first call is now open and published on the Southern Regional Assembly website at www.southernassembly.ie.