Background
The Lower Kirkgate Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) is a conservation led regeneration scheme, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) that aims to revitalise the Kirkgate area through the repair, restoration, conservation and re-use of historic buildings.
The scheme will tackle the problems of under investment in the building fabric and streetscapes where longstanding economic and structural decline has undermined the character of this historic and architecturally rich area.
The city council is also in discussion with the property owner, civic societies, Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and other stakeholders to find the best way to restore the First White Cloth Hall, a Grade II* listed building located at 98-101 Kirkgate.
Overall the THI seeks to accomplish the following:
- Bring vacant floorspace into use to create vitality, viability and new jobs
- Improve the appearance of the area to help encourage shoppers, tenants and visitors Improve the quality of life for all those who live, work and visit the area
- Raise awareness of Kirkgate as Leeds oldest street
- Ensure that development is sustainable development and that a reduction in energy consumption is achieved.
The city council has received a Stage One pass from the Heritage Lottery Fund and is currently developing Stage 2 to be submitted to the HLF in spring 2011.
Lower Kirkgate public questionnaire results
In May 2011, consultation was undertaken to find out what the public thought about the Lower Kirkgate and Kirkgate area and what improvements they would like to see.
Over 260 commented providing strong support for the THI. A summary of responses can be found on the right hand side in the document titled “Lower Kirkgate Public Consultation Report 2011”.
Thanks to all those who responded, the results will be incorporated into the Lower Kirkgate THI scheme bid.
Support for the Lower Kirkgate THI
Details of the city council’s planning and conservation policies affecting the THI are provided below:
Kirkgate Character Area Appraisal (public consultation planned for summer 2011).
Kirkgate Conservation Management Plan (public consultation planned for summer 2011).
Lower Kirkgate Planning Statement (adopted as informal guidance in August 2011).
Links to these documents can be found on the right hand side.
If you would like to make any comments, please email or write to the address below:
Regeneration Programmes Team
6th Floor West
Merrion House
110 Merrion Centre
Leeds LS1 8BB
Email lowerkirkgate@leeds.gov.uk (please write “ Lower Kirkgate THI scheme” in the subject field)