Heritage Development Trusts – Expressions of Interest Now Closed

The UK Heritage Development Trusts programme is a strategic partnership between the Architectural Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, providing resources to charities and social enterprises to make a positive and lasting impact on heritage in their areas. The Guide for Applicants provides more information on the support available and who can apply.

We aim to support a diverse range of organisations, at different stages of development – from those just getting started to mature organisations looking to adopt this new approach – and with a good geographical spread across the UK. By the end of 2026, we expect to see a UK-wide network of resilient Heritage Development Trusts that are improving and maintaining the historic built environment for the benefit of communities and the local economy. They will own and be developing income-generating portfolios of heritage assets and be working in partnership with local authorities, SMEs, other not-for-profits and stakeholders to deliver lasting benefit to and with their communities.

Application process and timeline

Wed 24 May: Expressions of Interest invited

Mon 26 June (9am): Deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest

Friday 14 July: Full applications invited from selected organisations with potential to operate as Heritage Development Trusts

Friday 15 Sept (5pm): Deadline for applications

Friday 15 December: Announcement of successful applicants

Ymddiriedolaethau Datblygu Treftadaeth – mynegiannau o ddiddordeb bellach wedi cau

Mae rhaglen Ymddiriedolaethau Datblygu Treftadaeth y DU yn bartneriaeth strategol rhwng y Gronfa Treftadaeth Bensaernïol a Chronfa Dreftadaeth y Loteri Genedlaethol, sy’n darparu adnoddau i elusennau a mentrau cymdeithasol i gael effaith gadarnhaol a pharhaol ar dreftadaeth yn eu hardaloedd. Mae'r Canllaw i Ymgeiswyr yn rhoi mwy o wybodaeth am y cymorth sydd ar gael a phwy all wneud cais.

Ein nod yw cefnogi ystod amrywiol o sefydliadau, ar wahanol gamau datblygu – o'r rhai sydd newydd ddechrau i sefydliadau aeddfed sydd am fabwysiadu'r dull newydd hwn – a chyda lledaeniad daearyddol da ledled y DU. Erbyn diwedd 2026, disgwyliwn weld rhwydwaith ledled y DU o Ymddiriedolaethau Datblygu Treftadaeth cryf sy’n gwella ac yn cynnal yr amgylchedd adeiledig hanesyddol er budd cymunedau a’r economi leol. Byddant yn berchen ar bortffolios o asedau treftadaeth sy'n cynhyrchu incwm ac yn eu datblygu, a byddant yn gweithio mewn partneriaeth ag awdurdodau lleol, busnesau bach a chanolig, sefydliadau nid-er-elw eraill a rhanddeiliaid i sicrhau budd parhaol i'w cymunedau ac ar y cyd â'r cymunedau hynny.

Y broses ymgeisio ac amserlen

Dydd Mercher 24 Mai: Gwahodd Mynegiannau o Ddiddordeb

Dydd Llun 26 Mehefin (9am): Dyddiad cau ar gyfer cyflwyno Mynegiannau o Ddiddordeb

Dydd Gwener 14 Gorffennaf: Gwahodd ceisiadau llawn gan y sefydliadau a ddewisir sydd â'r potensial i weithredu fel Ymddiriedolaethau Datblygu Treftadaeth

Dydd Gwener 15 Medi (5pm): Dyddiad cau ar gyfer ceisiadau

Dydd Gwener 15 Rhagfyr: Cyhoeddi pwy yw'r ymgeiswyr llwyddiannus

What is a Heritage Development Trust?

Heritage Development Trusts are an innovative way for local people to help create a future for the places that define their communities - a powerful new model that can turn neglected heritage assets in our city and town centres into foundations for economic, social and cultural resurgence.

All over the country, local people are coming together with local government, businesses, charities, funders and more, to reimagine and repurpose the heritage buildings that tell the story of their communities. Download a report on the progress of the initiative.

For a further explanation on Heritage Development Trusts, please watch the video below.