New Briggate set for £2.5m facelift as part of high street revamp plans

Leeds City Council’s plans for New Briggate are set to receive funding as part of Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zones programme.

The money will go towards repair works on historic buildings surrounding the Leeds Grand Theatre, Grand Arcade and St Johns Church.

It is hoped the funding of up to £1.3m – set to be matched by Leeds City Council – can also encourage new businesses into the area, bringing empty shop floors back into use.

Work to improve the energy efficiency of some of the area’s traditional buildings will also take place.

The council said it would work alongside partners and the community as well as local experts and artists to make sure any plans are in keeping with the heritage of the New Briggate and Mabgate areas.

Coun Lisa Mulherin, executive member for sustainable development, said: “We’re thrilled to see this exciting and ambitious project moving forward and to see the city’s superb track record in heritage-led regeneration being recognised.

“New Briggate is one of the city centre’s most historic areas, and is home to some of our most cherished cultural institutions.

“This project will be a massive step towards making sure the area’s appearance is in tune with that special heritage while supporting our efforts to create a better connected city.”

The programme will also see a ‘cultural consortia’, made up of arts institutions from the area and led by East Street Arts, deliver a cultural programme to celebrate and support the high street.

Emma Beverley, co-director at East Street Arts, said: “We can’t wait to work with such a range of organisations and businesses as we support the regeneration of New Briggate. It’s an exciting prospect to develop a cultural programme that centres the people who use New Briggate every day.

“There is so much untapped potential in the histories and memories of this street. Understanding how the street has changed already will help us imagine what the potential of New Briggate could be in the future.”