Leeds City Council is taking decisive action to revitalize Kirkgate, a historically important street, by issuing emergency repairs and negotiating to acquire seven buildings from City Fusion. With the goal of reopening the road and restoring beloved heritage sites, Councillor Jonathan Pryor emphasizes their commitment to preserving the area’s cultural significance while fostering a vibrant environment for local businesses.
What proactive steps is Leeds City Council taking for Kirkgate regeneration?
Leeds City Council is taking two main steps to regenerate Kirkgate:
- Implementing Emergency Measures: Issuing an urgent works notice to repair at-risk structures and reopen the road to traffic.
- Property Acquisition: Negotiating to buy seven buildings from City Fusion to restore and integrate them as heritage sites.
Leeds City Council Announces Proactive Steps for Kirkgate Regeneration
Leeds City Council has publicized a series of decisive actions aimed at rejuvenating a historically significant but currently beleaguered section of Kirkgate. The lower end of this landmark street, which has witnessed a partial building collapse earlier in the year, is set for a comprehensive restoration. “Our role in transforming Kirkgate over the last decade has been a point of pride. However, the area’s progression is marred by the deteriorating state of some buildings and the road closure,” explained Councillor Jonathan Pryor. The council’s proactive strategy seeks not only to restore the road to usability but also to rejuvenate the heritage buildings lining it.
A segment of Kirkgate remains inaccessible to vehicles since April, when number 85 suffered structural failure. This incident has brought to the forefront long-standing concerns regarding the facade of number 85 and its adjacent structures. Although Leeds City Council has previously facilitated substantial regeneration through its Lower Kirkgate Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), efforts to secure an agreement with the buildings’ owner, City Fusion, for necessary improvements have been unsuccessful.
In light of the ongoing impact, the council is pressing forward with two critical actions:
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Emergency Measures: The council plans to issue an urgent works notice, allowing it to perform necessary structural reparations on the properties most at risk. “This will enable us to reopen Kirkgate to traffic,” the council stated. The cost incurred will be retrieved from City Fusion.
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Property Acquisition: Discussions are underway for the council to purchase seven buildings owned by City Fusion. “Our ambition is to see these properties restored, refurbished, and reintegrated as key heritage sites,” Councillor Pryor mentioned.
Heritage-led Renaissance Through the Lower Kirkgate THI Scheme
The Lower Kirkgate THI scheme, inaugurated in 2013, represents the council’s commitment to heritage-led urban development. Integrating funds from the council’s coffers, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and private sector investments, the initiative has seen the revivification of several properties, including the Grade II-listed First White Cloth Hall. “Kirkgate’s transformation is not merely about restoration but about fostering a vibrant habitat for independent businesses,” the council emphasized.
The street has witnessed a radical redesign, with enhanced footpaths and the addition of greenery, creating a more appealing environment for commerce and leisure. These works align with broader investments in the Corn Exchange Gateway area – a critical economic and cultural node for the city. Integral thoroughfares like Call Lane and Duncan Street have seen notable improvements, contributing to the area’s overall resurgence.
Future Steps and Considerations for Kirkgate
The council’s strategy is subject to regulatory frameworks, requiring permission from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to issue the urgent works notice. “Securing this permission is crucial, as it pertains to the conservation of Leeds’ city centre’s character,” the council elucidated. An application is in progress, and forthcoming updates will shed light on the timeline for the emergency works.
The properties in question, numbers 83 through 89, have been of particular concern. Number 85, along with the adjacent 84, was significantly compromised after the partial collapse. Numbers 86 and 87 also remain vulnerable following a fire in 2023. The council’s actions underscore a firm commitment to the city’s heritage, with Councillor Pryor noting, “Kirkgate is a street of real historical import, and our efforts are reflective of our dedication to its future.”
In conclusion, Leeds City Council’s determination to address the current predicament on Kirkgate is a testament to its dedication to preserving and enhancing the city’s heritage assets. While the road remains closed presently, the council’s outlined steps offer a hopeful prospect for not just the reopening of Kirkgate but its renaissance as a beacon of Leeds’ rich cultural and historical tapestry.
ENDS
- Leeds City Council is implementing emergency repairs to revitalize Kirkgate, which has been impacted by a partial building collapse.
- The council is negotiating to acquire seven buildings from City Fusion to restore and repurpose them as heritage sites.
- The Lower Kirkgate Townscape Heritage Initiative has been a key factor in past regeneration efforts, involving funding from various sources.
- Future repairs will require permission from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to move forward.
- The council aims to transform Kirkgate into a vibrant area for local businesses while preserving its historical significance.