£3.8m programme is revitalising historic city centre properties
Work has been completed on two historic buildings in Wakefield city centre – including one of the city’s oldest timber framed buildings.
As part of a £3.8m investment programme both 6-8 Silver Street, and 84 Westgate, have been resorted through the High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme by Wakefield Council and Historic England.
A further 15 properties are part of the scheme, which has also involved improvements being made to four of the historic yards leading off Westgate.
Councillor Michael Graham, cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, said: “It is great to see that work has been completed on these stunning buildings, which are so important to our city centre’s heritage, and which are protected for future generations to enjoy.”
The funding has made grants available to owners and tenants of historic buildings in the conservation areas, to carry out conservation-led repairs. The works have targeted buildings which will revitalise the area.
During the work at 6-8 Silver Street, cement render was removed, and the original timber frame was revealed, along with carved posts usually associated with a high-status house.
Scientists have been analysing the timber and building experts from Historic England believe it dates back to the 1590s, during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign.
Richard J Butterfield, team leader (partnerships) for the North East & Yorkshire at Historic England, said: “We are pleased that the Heritage Action Zone in Wakefield has enabled the historic timber structure of 6-8 Silver Street to be revealed and carefully restored.
“It provides a tangible link with Westgate’s history extending back over 400 years, and a rare insight into former times.
“We are grateful to the support of a range of specialist advisors who have informed the refurbishment plans, as well as the building owners and Wakefield Council.”
Work at 84 Westgate, which currently houses Nocturno night club, has seen the removal of old paint from the front of the building to reveal its original tiled frontage.
The roof, which was leaking, has been refurbished. Broken tiles on the front of the building have been repaired at the former Picture House, which was the first purpose-built cinema in Wakefield, opening in 1913.
