The historic Midlands town of Leominster is to be granted a share of a £21m fund to revive its town centre, Gloucestershire Live reports. The town is one of 11 high streets to be included in the government-backed scheme to revive the region’s shopping areas.

Herefordshire Council’s Built and Natural Environment Team will work in partnership with Leominster Town Council to consult local residents, businesses and community groups about the restoration plans. It is hoped that work on the chosen projects will take place over the next three years.

Historic England commented: “Improvements to the buildings’ façade, implementation of traffic control measures, and improvements to Corn Square will undoubtedly help to enhance and maintain the area’s vibrancy.”

The refurbishment of the town’s historical shopfronts will be a priority, with funding available for the reinstatement of decorative glazing and upper floor windows, as well as signage. There will be an emphasis on using traditional materials and methods, and eligible projects can claim up to 80% of the costs.

Funding of up to 50% will also be available to those who wish to convert or repurpose historic buildings. The UK government has recently relaxed the laws for permitted development rights (PDR), making it easier for retail units which have become empty during the pandemic to be converted for residential use or other purposes.

A further pot of funds will be available for restoring historic architectural features, such as chimney pots, balconies, cresting, and railings, which are or were deemed important to the character of the building. If the feature has been lost, photographic evidence must be provided to prove it once existed.

For restoration work which is carried out using traditional methods and materials, up to 80% of the costs can be claimed.

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