Pontefract Market Place was chosen for a Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) bid due to:

• The location of the Market Place within a Conservation Area, a requirement for consideration for THI funding.
  
  
• The historical significance of the Market Place, which is the commercial centre of the medieval market town of Pontefract, a number of the town’s buildings date from the mid-14th century, showing evidence of over 600 years of development. The Market Place has a strong historic character formed by its buildings and spaces, which include a high number of listed buildings. The densely built up character of the medieval town remains, evidenced by the remaining burgage plots, yards and ginnels.
  
  
• An opportunity to bring about economic regeneration. The impact of de-industrialisation of the area and the current economic climate has led to the upper floors of many important buildings falling into a state of neglect and underuse. Development of these resources could stimulate renewed economic activity. Whilst the public realm is generally of excellent quality, there is a need to extend the good quality paving into some of the routes and spaces leading off the Market Place to enhance the town for visitors.
  
  
• An opportunity to address the lack of investment in repairs, which has lead to a number of buildings slipping into a state of poor repair or have suffered inappropriate alterations. In addition a number of buildings are under threat of further decay due to under use of floor space and long term vacancy.
  
  
• The potential to work in tandem with the current implementation of the Pontefract Town Centre Masterplan (see 'Related Links') which recommends that by improving the quality of the town’s yards and ginnels, opportunities for new businesses will be created.
  
  
• Build upon the significant community activity and interest in this historic town. Consultation took place during the preparation of both the THI Bids and stage II bids ensuring that citizens, businesses and local groups of interest fully understood the objectives of the THI.
  
• An opportunity to stimulate investment and economic activity to address deprivation issues that affects the town and the surrounding area.
  
  
• The THI scheme has brought together match funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Wakefield Council to ensure the scheme can go ahead. 

 Site updated: 3 May 2011