Stokes Croft and Portland Square are two of Bristol's Conservation Areas where Bristol City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund are focusing funding for repairs to historic properties and spaces.  This programme is called the Townscape Heritage Initiative. 

You can download an information leaflet here or contact Bristol City Council for more information on 0117 922 2971. 

If you have vacant or underused space above a shop or other commercial premises, there is a scheme which encourages the renovation or conversion of these to flats for rent, through tax relief.  More information can be found from the Inland Revenue website.