Building improvements help restore Leominster’s heart and heritage

[Hereford Voice]

Leominster town centre is starting to see the impact of funding that seeks to breathe new life into high streets that are rich in heritage and potential.

Work to restore heritage features on properties in Leominster town centre is now complete, with improvements to building structure and facades to reflect the original detail and character of key historic buildings in the town.

Improvements to these properties will contribute towards restoring the distinctive and unique character of Leominster, enhancing the town for retailers and visitors.

The improvements are thanks to the Leominster High Street Heritage Action Zone funding – a multi-million pound regeneration initiative supported by Historic England, delivered through Herefordshire Council and Leominster Town Council.

This major investment in the market town looks to transform buildings, restore local historic character and improve public spaces, creating a vibrant place to live, work and visit.

Historic building restoration

Work has now been completed on three properties that received grant funding towards their restoration:

Parry’s, a traditional style fruit & veg shop in Leominster High Street has received a facelift, with the replacement of cast iron guttering and timber facias and soffits, pointing and window repair.

The roof was replaced at the Rankin Club in Corn Square along with repairs to the sash windows, chimneys and the stucco façade. During initial work some older window openings were found, which have now been reinstated and the whole building has been painted heritage paint colours to highlight the original row of terraced buildings.

Both 26 and 26a Broad Street have seen their external features transformed with the reinstatement of carved stone mouldings, repairs to the pediment to retain lost detailing and works to the stone decorative cornice and associated parapet. The chimney was also repaired and three windows replaced with more historically accurate style.

Councillor Philip Price, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said:

“We’re fortunate to have so many buildings of importance in Leominster town centre, and have been delighted to work with a number of local business owners and residents regarding a range of projects. The funding available has only covered a very small proportion of these, however those chosen have real heritage value. It’s exciting to see how these building renovations, as well public space enhancements, will impact on the look and feel of the town."

Councillor Trish Marsh, chair of communications & events committee Leominster Town Council, said:

“Our historic buildings are home to many independent shops and eateries, and are at the heart of our wonderful town. We’re proud to continue to welcome people from near and far to Leominster, as we seek to provide an attractive place where people want to linger and meet, and an environment that encourages us all to explore our many local businesses.”

Historic England’s Head of Region for the Midlands, Deborah Williams said:

“It’s great to see the plans for the work in Leominster taking shape as part of its heritage led regeneration. The works will help to give the public spaces a new lease of life, support local businesses and provide a destination for visitors. I am delighted to see the Leominster High Street Heritage Action Zone now having a real effect on the ground, in this and other projects, and helping the town to move forward.”

More about the Leominster High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) programme

The Leominster HSHAZ is a multi-million pound regeneration initiative supported by Historic England, delivered through Herefordshire Council and Leominster Town Council – with £1.3m from Historic England, match funded with £1.8m from Herefordshire Council. Property owners also provide a percentage contribution towards grant funded renovation.  

This major investment in the market town until March 2024 is delivering 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 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 is a UK-wide initiative 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.