Having operated on the revolving fund model and been instrumental in the rescue of many buildings during its 40-year plus existence, the Trust recognised its need for change to work with the radically altered funding regimes that now exist in the UK. 

 

With funding from the grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust’s own resources the project team used 12 case study 'at-risk' buildings from the Derbyshire area, to develop a suitable business model for the Trust. Knowledge gained from the study and from its conclusions has been used to strengthen the Trust and allow it to develop ensuring that it remains fit for purpose.

 

All of the buildings on the case study list have been analysed using a set of criteria which measure the risk against reward; with this reward being not only a financial consideration, but also delivering outcomes which offer a benefit to people, communities and heritage. Investigations were made into the potential of each case study's ability to satisfy the outcome criteria using a matrix which has been developed by the Project Team. 

 

As a result the roles that DHBT now play include;

 

Not for profit Developer – the Trust will purchase or lease the building and take on the whole project.

Partner – the Trust will enter into a partnership with another organisation

Catalyst – the Trust will assist to initiate change that will lead to the rescue of a building at risk

Enabler – the Trust will provide advice and assistance to enable creative re-use

 

The evaluation matrix can now be used to assist other building preservation trusts and groups in the early stages of their investigations into the sustainable reuse of buildings at risk.  Lessons learned can also help these organisations evolve to meet the needs of the new funding regimes.