TWO famous buildings which form part of the historic frontage along The Circle in Tredegar are set to be included in the Tredegar Townscape Heritage Initiative Scheme.

The Tredegar Heritage Initiative (THI) has already proved vital in rejuvenating The Tredegar Arms and Nelson’s Pharmacy back into future usage.

Now, the renovation of two neighbouring heritage properties at four and five in The Circle will be supported by the grant programme.

The buildings at four and five The Circle are owned by DAB Clubs Ltd and M&JK Properties Ltd and in a joint statement, the companies stated: “The grant funding award will support our investment into the project at four and five The Circle and will allow the renovation of two empty buildings providing new commercial and residential uses in Tredegar.”

Located to the west of the town’s clock, the neighbouring properties at four and five The Circle form a part of a historic landscape of buildings that were constructed out of the town’s growth from the iron industry and in recent times both have been empty and in need of investment.

The owners have received a funding offer from the Tredegar THI to aid the conservation sensitive refurbishment to provide a mixture of commercial and residential units in Tredegar.

Cllr Dai Davies, Blaenau Gwent council’s executive member for regeneration and economic development, said: The projects under the scheme are progressing well and starting to transform the look of the area with historic buildings being restored and brought back to life.

“It is fantastic news that a further two properties in Tredegar are being prepared to be match funded, adding to the existing portfolio of properties that are being restored in the area.

“These projects are examples of how the programme is supporting important improvements that will benefit whole communities.”

The partnership funding will refurbish the exterior utilising traditional materials and techniques to allow the buildings to appear and function as it was originally designed.

In addition to the work recently undertaken, there will be lime rendering and timber sash windows and the installation of conservation sensitive traditional shop frontages.

The project is funded by the owners and a number of partners with the THI grant contributions being made up from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Welsh Government’s Vibrant & Viable Places Tackling Poverty Programme, Cadw and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council.

The THI Scheme is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Welsh Government-Vibrant & Viable Places Tackling Poverty Programme, Cadw & Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council.