The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) added funding must also be provided to “under-threat locals” that do not qualify as heritage pubs.
CAMRA Pub Heritage Group chair Paul Ainsworth said: “CAMRA warmly welcomes this new fund which will help communities bid for funding to breathe new life into closed, derelict or at-risk heritage pubs.
“We believe pubs in nationally important buildings, or with historic interiors, need to be protected both as buildings that tell us about our national story but also as thriving pubs acting as the beating heart of communities today.
Create new funding stream
“The Government also needs to provide funding to save under-threat locals that aren’t classed as heritage pubs.
“There are more than 200 community-owned pubs in the country, where previously struggling pubs have been taken over and run for the people, by the people.
“Those looking to take over their local as a community owned pub if it is under threat of closure or conversion need to be able to access advice, support and funding to make sure bids are successful, securing the pub at the heart of community life for decades to come.
“Since the Community Ownership Fund closed last year, no such funding has been available. The Government should urgently create a new funding stream so that communities can save their local pub.”
Applications welcome
The Government has ring-fenced a £20m funding war chest with £15m being to committed to pubs, shops, parks and town halls at risk of falling into disrepair.
Pubs are able to apply to take a share of the money in the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund programme, which follows the announcement from the Culture Secretary last month of the £270m Arts Everywhere Fund as part of the Government’s Plan for Change, which aims to support economic growth and increase opportunities for people across the country.
The remaining £4.85m makes up the Heritage Revival Fund, which is currently accepting applications for projects that will help to rescue and repurpose neglected historic buildings, like theatres, department stores and former banks.
