Renovation and restoration gets underway in Leominster’s historic town centre thanks to High Street Heritage Action Zone funding
Leominster’s town centre is starting to benefit from the renovation and restoration of a number of its historic buildings thanks to grant funding available through the Leominster High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) programme.
The Leominster HSHAZ is a regeneration initiative supported by Historic England, delivered through Herefordshire Council and Leominster Town Council, with a multi-million pound investment in the market town. Alongside revitalising historic buildings, the programme aims to improve public spaces and create a vibrant place for locals, businesses and visitors.
So far, four properties have received grant funding towards the restoration of the building structure and the facelift of facades to reflect the original detail and character.
Visitors to Leominster will soon start to notice scaffolding going-up around shopfronts and buildings while restoration work is underway.
Councillor Ellie Chowns, Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet member for environment and economy, said: “I’m delighted that work is now underway which is set to reinvigorate a number of buildings in Leominster town centre. Leominster is rich in history and heritage and it’s exciting to see how this grant funding will help to restore and enhance its unique character.”
Julie Debbage, Leominster Town Council’s Town Clerk, said: “Leominster’s historic buildings are a much-valued part of our town’s heritage. It is fantastic to see HSHAZ funding invested in preserving and enhancing Leominster’s streetscape, for the benefit of residents, visitors and local businesses.”
Historic England’s Head of Region for the Midlands, Deborah Williams said: “We’re delighted to see work commencing in Leominster, it’s a town full of character and we’re looking forward to seeing the results of the HSHAZ scheme.”
More about the Leominster High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) programme
The Leominster HSHAZ is a regeneration initiative supported by Historic England, delivered through Herefordshire Council and Leominster Town Council. Historic England has committed funding towards a multi-million pound scheme, which is supported by a matched financial contribution from Herefordshire Council and contribution in kind from Leominster Town Council.
This major investment in the market town until March 2024 looks to deliver schemes that will transform buildings, restoring local historic character and improving public spaces. The project will see street scene improvements in the High Street, Corn Square and the wider conservation area, creating a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
The programme is being led by a steering group chaired by the Mayor of Leominster, Councillor Trish Marsh, with representatives from Leominster Town Council, Herefordshire Council, Historic England, and local business and community groups.
About Heritage Action Zones
The High Streets Heritage Action Zone initiative is funded with £40million from the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport’s Heritage High Street Fund and £52million from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Future High Street Fund. A further £3million will be provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support a cultural programme.
More than 60 high streets have been offered funding to give them a new lease of life. Historic England is working with local people and partners through grant funding and sharing skills to help breathe new life into high streets that are rich in heritage and full of promise - unlocking their potential and making them more attractive to residents, businesses, tourists and investors.