Ref: PR2221
Date: 13/05/0

Pontefract is celebrating a cash boost to develop its historic buildings and ginnels.

The Heritage Lottery Fund for Townscape Heritage Initiative has awarded Pontefract £38,500 in the first stage of a two-stage bidding process which will see the Council now go on to develop a bid for a further £700,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, along with a submission for £600,000 funding from Yorkshire Forward and £100,000 from its own budget, making a project total of £1.5m.

Cllr Denise Jeffery, Deputy Leader of Wakefield Council with responsibility for regeneration, said: "This is really good news for Pontefract. Being successful in the first stage of the bidding process is a springboard for us to develop a project which will see Pontefract’s historic treasures protected for years to come and promote the economy of the town."

The Market Place conservation area is the commercial centre of the medieval town of Pontefract, developed from the 12th century. While most buildings date from the mid-8th century, many have much earlier origins.

Unfortunately many buildings within the conservation area are slipping into poor repair or have suffered from inappropriate alterations. A number of buildings are also under threat from further decay due to under-use or standing empty.

The Council’s recent Pontefract Central Area Master Plan recommends that by improving the quality of the town’s yards and ginnels, opportunities for new businesses will be created, town centre housing could be provided, better uses of spaces can be made and the town’s historic fabric can be restored.

The Council has applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund for Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) funding to improve the vitality, vibrancy and attractiveness of Pontefract town centre, by upgrading the quality of it historic buildings.

The aim of the project is to encourage and support heritage-led regeneration within the town centre focusing on its medieval yards and ginnels and Market Place and help create areas where people are proud to do business and live.

Development of Stage 2 of the HLF bidding process will take about a year to complete and will involve consultation with residents, community groups and owners of buildings associated with the town’s medieval yards.  

ENDS