Leeds City Council is taking decisive action to revive the troubled Kirkgate area by issuing an urgent works notice and planning to buy dilapidated buildings owned by City Fusion, aiming to restore both the road and its vibrant local businesses. With hopes of reopening the street and preserving the city’s historical charm, the community awaits the approval from Secretary of State Lisa Nandy to kickstart these transformative efforts.
What is Leeds City Council doing about the closure of Kirkgate?
Leeds City Council is taking bold steps to resolve the closure of Kirkgate by issuing an urgent works notice and considering the purchase of properties to facilitate structural work and heritage restoration. This dual initiative aims to reopen the road and rejuvenate the area, reflecting the council’s commitment to Leeds’ historical integrity and local businesses.
The Ongoing Saga of Kirkgate’s Closure
Leeds’ historical Kirkgate has been a topic of concern for some time now. The unfortunate collapse of a building not only led to the road’s closure but also a significant drop in footfall, adversely affecting local commerce. Business owners along the street have expressed growing frustration as the blocked thoroughfare continues to disrupt their livelihoods. Amidst the uncertainty, Leeds City Council has begun to take decisive action to address these pressing issues and chart a path toward resolution.
The building in question, no.85 Kirkgate, has been the subject of protracted negotiations between the council and the building’s owner, City Fusion. Despite discussions around potential grant funding for improvements, the parties have failed to reach an acceptable agreement. Consequently, the council is transitioning to a more direct strategy to ensure the street’s future.
Local businesses, some operating for generations, have been bystanders to a slow-moving crisis. Understandably, these establishments are in dire need of a resolution that will restore the flow of customers and bring stability back to the area. The council’s intervention offers a glimmer of hope and a sense of anticipatory relief for those affected by the protracted closure.
Leeds City Council’s Bold Steps Forward
In a move to expedite the reopening of Kirkgate and begin the process of restoration, Leeds City Council has outlined a two-pronged approach. The first step involves issuing an urgent works notice on the dilapidated properties owned by City Fusion, particularly those fronting Briggate. This measure would grant the council the ability to carry out essential structural work, with the view to rescind traffic restrictions that currently plague the area.
The urgent works notice is not without its bureaucratic hurdles, however. Approval from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport – presently Lisa Nandy MP – is required due to the area’s designation as a conservation zone. The council, fully aware of the area’s historical and cultural significance, has made an appeal for this approval, emphasizing the importance of upholding the character and aesthetic of Leeds’ city centre.
In parallel to the urgent works notice, the council is also considering the purchase of several City Fusion properties along Kirkgate, specifically numbers 83 through 89. This acquisition, based on market value assessment, would allow the council to undertake comprehensive restoration as part of the Lower Kirkgate Townscape Heritage Initiative. Such a move would be a significant investment in the area’s future and a clear sign of the council’s commitment to preserving Leeds’ heritage.
A New Chapter for Kirkgate
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader of Leeds City Council, has articulated the dual intentions behind these initiatives. “It is our hope,” Councillor Pryor explained, “that by stepping in and taking ownership of the situation, we will be able to facilitate the reopening of the road and, separately, give these problem properties a new lease of life.” His statement encapsulates the council’s determination to resolve the ongoing saga and restore Kirkgate to its former vibrancy.
This approach marks a potentially pivotal moment for Kirkgate, one that promises to not only address the immediate issue of the road closure but also to reimagine the street’s role within Leeds’ urban tapestry. The proposed actions would not only alleviate the concerns of business owners but would also serve to protect the architectural and historical integrity of the area.
As the council awaits the Secretary of State’s approval, there is cautious optimism among the business community and local residents. The anticipation of a revived Kirkgate, complete with restored buildings and unhindered passage, underscores the resilience and adaptive spirit of Leeds. While the road remains closed at present, the council’s proactive measures signal the beginning of a hopeful new chapter for one of Leeds’ most iconic streets.
For updates on the progress of this initiative and information on the Lower Kirkgate Townscape Heritage Initiative, please visit Leeds City Council’s website.
- Leeds City Council is issuing an urgent works notice and planning to purchase dilapidated buildings in the Kirkgate area to facilitate restoration and road reopening.
- The closure of Kirkgate has caused a significant drop in foot traffic, negatively impacting local businesses and leading to growing frustration among owners.
- The council’s intervention includes a dual approach of carrying out structural work and considering the acquisition of properties along Kirkgate owned by City Fusion.
- Approval from Secretary of State Lisa Nandy is necessary due to the area’s conservation status, emphasizing the historical significance of the location.
- Councillor Jonathan Pryor expressed hope that these initiatives will revitalize Kirkgate, restore its vibrancy, and maintain the architectural integrity of the area.