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History
A charity engaged in the preservation of buildings of special historic
or architectural interest in the county
Buildings in Trust
The Hertfordshire Buildings Preservation Trust was formed in 1963 as a
private company, limited by guarantee, and a registered charity. It is
supported by the County and Borough/District Councils, who are its
shareholders and appoint representative Directors.
Its primary objective is to preserve buildings of special architectural
or historic interest in the county. The Trust has limited resources, but
as a private independent company, and a charity, it has many advantages
over other agencies in obtaining finance for particularly difficult
cases. As well as obtaining government assistance for various projects,
the Trust has been able to attract donations from commercial
organisations and private individuals.
Over the years, the Trust has rescued many buildings which were derelict
or in need of repair. In some case arrangements have been made with
owners for joint management of the properties to ensure that they are
sensitively repaired and properly maintained.
Formed at a time when legislative protection of listed buildings was
weak, the Trust has acquired properties through agreement with Local
Authorities, sometimes following a service of a Buildings Repairs
Notice, through Deed of Gift or legacies, or on the open market.
Buildings such as Castle Cottages, Hertford or Place House, Ware have
been retained to produce revenue income for administration of the
Trust’s roles. Others have been sold on completion to produce capital
for the purchases of further buildings, on the principle of a ‘revolving
fund’. The Trust has also taken on buildings to perpetuate traditional
uses, which, without grant aid and funding from public or private
agencies, would be uneconomic.
Advice and information
In partnership with the County Council, the Trust has taken on
responsibility for the former Environment Department Design and
Conservation team. The team operates under the auspices of the Built
Environment Advisory and Management Service (BEAMS Ltd) which was set up
as the trading company of the Trust. BEAMS can provide a range of
services including advice to owners of listed buildings, preparation of
surveys and reports on historic sites and buildings, and information on
traditional materials and craftsmen. |
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