Leominster High Street Heritage Action Zone Scheme
Latest update 18 November 2024
Please see latest update on improvement works below.
We wrote to Leominster Town Centre businesses on 8 October 2024 with an update on the improvements being made.
The letter outlined the latest on-site progress towards completing the project by 29 November, summarised here:
- Improvement work to North end of High Street and Victoria Street are largely completed
- Improvement works in Corn Street and Corn Square are underway
- Work will start at Iron Cross on 14 October and will last for 3 weeks. Iron Cross will be closed to vehicular traffic during weekdays but will re-open to traffic for evenings/overnight and at weekends
- Access to the west end of Corn Square for emergency vehicles, essential deliveries will then only be available from Buttercross, via High Street and Victoria Street, to allow the works in Iron Cross, Corn Street and the southern section of High Street to be carried out
The Leominster community will now see our contractor, MF Freeman, starting to remove their compound area in Corn Square so that the final improvements can be undertaken.
In recognition of the ongoing inconvenience to Leominster, our Economic Development Team has been working alongside Leominster businesses, Leominster Town Council and Herefordshire County Business Improvement District on a number of initiatives to support the town.
These include:
- Two hours free parking in Etnam Street Car Park for the duration of the improvement work
- A campaign to inform local people that Leominster town centre is still open for business, including information about two hours free parking in Etnam Street Car Park, a promotion of the Leominster Town Council's 'Leominster Independents' loyalty initiative, offering free mugs and bags for £20 spent in town centre businesses, and information about upcoming events
- A national tourism promotion campaign, through Visit Herefordshire, to encourage people to visit Leominster
- Support for town centre businesses through Herefordshire County BID's Place Support Partnership to help businesses to save costs
- Support for town centre businesses through the Herefordshire Growth Hub
- Support for Leominster businesses to develop a local business forum, to support the town
Improvement work planned for week commencing 18 November 2024
- Continue with pavings on south side of Corn Street
- Continuation of section of new pavings on north side of Corn Street
- Complete replacement kerbs in Corn Square
- Complete root cell containment installations
- Complete raised pedestrian crossing in Corn Street
- Base and binder courses on the remaining section of Corn Street and the loop around the parking area in Corn Square
- Commence pavings to parking area
- Carry out further grouting, power washing and sealing of new pavings
- Carry out further re-grouting of retained existing pavings around Corn Square
Please note: we apologise for the continuing disruption to the town centre, including the sometimes lengthy and frustrating diversion routes for pedestrians. However, for the safety of yourselves and others, please do not move or cross barriers, no matter how tempting the shortcut appears.
Improvement work completed for week commencing 11 November 2024
- Completed installation of kerbs on south side of Corn Street
- Continued with pavings on north and south sides of Corn Street
- Continued with replacement of kerbs in Corn Square
- Commenced tree root cell containment installation (for tree at east end of Corn Square, near Lloyds Bank)
- Installed electrical feeder pillar
- Carried out further grouting, power washing and sealing of new pavings
- Carried out further re-grouting of retained existing pavings around Corn Square
Improvement work completed for week commencing 4 November 2024
- Existing block paving to Iron Cross carriageway removed
- Completed ramps for the High Street / Iron Cross raised junction
- Ironwork at Iron Cross adjusted to suit new carriageway levels
- Carriageway resurfacing at Iron Cross completed
- Renewal of pavements on north and east side of Iron Cross completed
- Continued with installation of kerbs on north and south sides of Corn Street
- Base and binder course laid in Corn Street (as far as old Barclays Bank premises)
- Continued with pavings on north side of Corn Street
- Completed trenching and ducting for electrical installations in Corn Square
- Continued with replacement of kerbs in Corn Square
- Carried out further grouting, power washing and sealing of new pavings
- Carried out further re-grouting of retained existing pavings around Corn Square
Improvement work completed for week commencing 28 October 2024
- Completed replacement of kerbs at Iron Cross (north and east sides only)
- Completed drainage works at Iron Cross
- Continued with renewal of pavings to Iron Cross pavements (north and east sides only)
- Continued works on the High Street / Corn Street raised junction
- Continued installation of kerbs on north side of Corn Street
- Commenced installation of kerbs on south side of Corn Square
- Continued pavings on north side of Corn Street
- Continued drainage works in Corn Square
- Commenced replacement of kerbs on south side of Corn Square
- Carried out further grouting of previously-laid pavings
Improvement work completed for week commencing 21 October 2024
- Completed removal of paving from Corn Square parking area
- Continued with works replacing Iron Cross kerbs
- Continued works on the High Street / Corn Street raised junction
- Continued installation of new kerbs on north side of Corn Street
- Continued pavings to area under the clock, facing Corn Square and on the north side of Corn Street
- Disconnected existing power bollards in Corn Square
- Continued excavations and ducting for new electrical installations in Corn Square
- Continued with drainage works in Corn Square
- Continued re-grouting of pavings around Corn Square
- Carried out further grouting of previously-laid pavings
Improvement work completed for week commencing 14 October 2024
- Removed carriageway block surfacing on Iron Cross
- Commenced works replacing Iron Cross kerbs
- Completed pavings to raised pedestrian crossings at north end of High Street and on Victoria Street
- Continued works on the High Street / Corn Street raised junction
- Continued pavings on the southern section of High Street
- Continued installation of new kerbs on north side of Corn Street
- Continued pavings on the north side of Corn Street
- Completed excavations and ducting for new electrical installations in Corn Square
- Resumed drainage works in Corn Square
- Continued with removal of cobbles in Corn Street
- Continued re-grouting of pavings around Corn Square
- Carried out further grouting of previously-laid pavings
Improvement work completed for week commencing 7 October 2024
- Final surfacing for High Street and Victoria Street
- Removal of existing block paving to Corn Street carriageway
- Continued further grouting of previously-laid pavings
- Continued works for new power bollards in Corn Square, including electric cabling
- Continued pavings on north side of Corn Street
Improvement work completed for week commencing 30 September 2024
- Continued works on the High Street / Corn Street raised junction
- Continued pavings on the southern section of High Street
- Completed pavings at end of Drapers Lane and in front of Wetherspoons
- Continued pavings outside The Flying Dutchman
- Commenced pavings on the north side of Corn Street
- Commenced works for new power bollards in Corn Square
- Carried out further grouting of previously-laid pavings
- Pressure washed and sealed pavings in High Street
Improvement work completed for week commencing 23 September 2024
- Completed final ramp to the High Street / Victoria Street raised junction
- Commenced works on the High Street / Corn Street raised junction
- Continued pavings on the southern section of High Street and on Victoria Street
- Continued pavings outside The Flying Dutchman
- Completed remedial works to cellar of 21 High Street and pavings above
- Carried out further grouting of previously-laid pavings
Improvement work completed for week commencing 16 September 2024
- Completed construction of ramps to raised table crossing in Victoria Street
- Continued kerbs and kerb foundations on Victoria Street from Drapers Lane and around the apex of the loop to the east end of Corn Street
- Continued pavings in Victoria Street, outside The Flying Dutchman
- Completed installation of tactile pavings at pedestrian crossings on High Street, and Victoria Street
- Commenced remedial works to cellar of 21 High Street
- Laid tarmac base and binder courses to east end of Victoria Street
- Carried out further grouting of previously-laid pavings
Improvement work completed for week commencing 9 September 2024
- Completed drainage connections in Victoria Street
- Continued kerbs and kerb foundations on Victoria Street, from Drapers Lane towards Corn Street
- Continued pavings in Victoria Street, outside The Flying Dutchman
- Commenced installation of tactile pavings at pedestrian crossings on High Street
- Carried out further grouting of previously-laid pavings
Improvement work completed week commencing 2 September 2024
- Completed ramps for raised table crossing at the north end of High Street
- Commenced construction of raised table junction at High Street/Victoria Street junction (two of the three ramps completed)
- Completed drainage investigations in Victoria Street, ahead of new connection
- Continued kerbs and kerb foundations on Victoria Street, from Drapers Lane towards Corn Street
- Continued pavings in Victoria Street, outside The Flying Dutchman
- Carried out load tests (CBRs) on the material below Corn Street
- Carried out further grouting of previously-laid pavings
Improvement work completed week commencing 26 August 2024
- Tarmac base and binder courses to High Street (down to near Corn Street junction) and Victoria Street (as far east as Drapers Lane)
- Continuation of raised table crossing at the north end of High Street
- Pavings on west side of High Street, working south from Victoria Street junction towards junction of Corn Street
- Pavings on south side of Victoria Street, working east towards Drapers Lane
- Commence installation of blister paving at crossing points
- Take up of carriageway blocks and existing raised crossing at east end of Victoria Street (temporary alternative crossing provided)
- Commence trenching and ducting for electrical installations to power bollards
- Further grouting of previously-laid pavings
Improvement work completed week commencing 19 August 2024
- Continuation of kerb foundations, kerbs and pavings on High Street, working south from Victoria Street junction towards junction of Corn Street
- Continuation of kerb foundations, kerbs and pavings on Victoria Street, working east towards Drapers Lane
- Prepare carriageway ironworks for tarmacking works in High Street and Victoria Street
- Initial tarmac base and binder courses to High Street (down to near Corn Street junction) and Victoria Street (as far east as Drapers Lane)
- Further grouting of previously-laid pavings
Improvement work completed week commencing 12 August 2024
- Complete installation of drainage gullies to High Street/Victoria Street junction and to southern section of High Street
- Continuation of kerb foundations, kerbs and pavings on High Street, working south from Victoria Street junction towards junction of Corn Street
- Continuation of kerb foundations, kerbs and pavings on Victoria Street, working east towards Drapers Lane
- Further grouting of previously-laid pavings
Improvement work completed week commencing 5 August 2024
- Continue with kerbing and pavings on west side of High Street, working south past Victoria Street junction
- Completed removal of existing base course in Victoria Street
- Commence kerb foundations and kerbs to western end of High Street
- Commence kerb foundations and kerbs on High Street, working south from Victoria Street junction
- Kerbing to Victoria Street
- Commence paving to Victoria Street
Improvement work completed week commencing 29 July 2024
- Drainage remedials and connections in Victoria Street and at Victoria Street / High Street junction progressing
- Pavings to north end of High Street continuing on western side
- Taking up existing defective base course in Victoria Street commenced
Improvement work completed week commencing 22 July 2024
- Continuation of new kerbs to north end of High Street
- Continuation of new pavings to north end of High Street
- Drainage investigation works at High Street / Victoria Street junction
Improvement work completed week commencing 15 July 2024
- Completion of basement checks on High Street
- Completion of levels survey in Victoria Street
- Continuation of new kerbs and kerb foundations to north end of High Street
- Continuation of new pavings to north end of High Street
Improvement work completed week commencing 1 July 2024
- High Street drainage works
- New raised crossing at north end of High Street started
- Removal of existing base course on Victoria Street started
- Remedial works to existing manholes in Corn Square
Improvement work completed week commencing 24 June 2024
- Continued work on High Street carriageway and pavements, north end, east side:
- Extending existing concrete slab under pavements
- Further new kerb installations, including kerb foundations
- Further existing paving removed
- Commence laying of new pavings
- Victoria Street - continued investigations and preparation work
- Continued remedial works to existing manholes in Corn Square
Improvement work completed week commencing 17 June 2024
- High Street drainage:
- Preparations for drainage work
- High Street carriageway and pavements (north end, east side):
- Existing paving slabs removed
- New kerb foundation installed down to Vine and Juniper
- Kerbs installation commenced
- Victoria Street - preparation work underway
- Corn Square drainage - Remedial works to existing storm water drainage started
Public spaces improvements
Improvements to the roads and pavings in the High Street and Corn Square started on 7 May.
The road and pavement surfaces were removed and pedestrian safety railings installed. Despite every effort to survey the drainage during the design stage, unexpected repairs and improvements to the drainage installations have been found to be needed, and the design work for this has delayed progress.
Following the drainage works in each area, the next step will be to replace the kerb stones. As the kerbs are installed through an area, paving installation will start.
Improvements to the road surface will be staggered with the improvements to the footpaths. The intention is to open up areas as the improvements in that area are completed. Pedestrian access to businesses and residences will be maintained at all times.
Whilst we are currently working to programme, the above issues may contribute to a time extension and we will keep you informed as we progress.
The improvements to the town, nationally recognised for its historic importance, will see the High Street, Iron Cross, Victoria Street and Corn Street enhanced with attractive surfacing, improved paving, wider pavements and raised tables at the major junctions, making it safer and more accessible for pedestrians. The paving in Corn Square will be refurbished and the road and parking area will be resurfaced.
Works to remove two trees from Corn Square took place over the weekend of 20 and 21 April 2024. This will make way for new trees and seating. The replacement planting will include other suitable trees, together with native planting for seasonal interest and habitat.
All areas will remain open to pedestrians during the work, however, there will be road closures in place. Details have been shared with local businesses and event organisers. All town car parks, with the exception of Corn Square are unaffected.
Further information about our public spaces improvements is in the public realm frequently asked questions (FAQs).
About the Leominster High Street Heritage Action Zone Scheme
Leominster town centre is benefitting from the multi-million pound High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) Fund, which seeks to breathe new life into high streets that are rich in heritage and potential.
Leominster was one of a number of high streets in England which received a share of the £95 million government fund for heritage regeneration projects, led by Historic England working with local councils and the community. The Leominster scheme was awarded £1.3 million Historic England grant funding which is matched by £1.885 million funding from Herefordshire Council.
This major investment has already transformed buildings with improvements to structure and facades to reflect the original detail, restoring local historic character and heritage features.
Herefordshire Council and Leominster Town Council are working in partnership with residents, businesses and community groups to deliver a range of projects, agreed with Historic England, which aim to renew and rejuvenate Leominster's High Street and Conservation Area.
Now in its final year, the projects in the Leominster HSHAZ Scheme, which were identified through public consultation and discussion with Historic England, include:
- Improvements to public spaces, with a focus on Corn Square
- Grants programme to renovate and restore key historic buildings
- A series of small-scale grant funded projects to repair and repaint shop fronts and shop signs
- The introduction of free public Wi-Fi and footfall counters in the town centre
- Web-based heritage app for promotion of Leominster's history, tourism and retail offerings
- Heritage trails around the town including a Children's Trail and a new Historic Shop Trail
- Conservation Area Appraisal to help to protect Leominster's architecture and ensure that new developments are in keeping with Leominster's unique townscape
- Conservation Management Plan to help inform and advise in respect of future planning applications and build on the monies already invested in Leominster
- Heritage building owners support and resources which seeks to encourage and empower local heritage building owners and occupiers to properly maintain and care for their buildings and
- The Light Up Leominster Christmas 2023 event
Grant schemes
Both grant schemes are now closed for expressions of interest. Thank you to everyone who has applied. We are delighted that so many people wanted to get involved in helping Leominster preserve its historical townscape and rebuilding its vibrancy.
Buildings which benefited from the initial grant scheme include the Rankin Club in Corn Square; Parry's Fruit & Veg on the High Street; 26 & 26A Broad Street. These buildings have all seen external structural and aesthetic improvements.
The Old Priory has also benefitted from surveys and feasibility studies to help review future uses for this most historic building.
Conservation Area Appraisal
Part two of the consultation on revised proposals to extend Leominster's existing historic market town centre Conservation Area is now closed. A full report will be available early 2024.
View the consultation on Leominster Heritage Action Zone Conservation Area Appraisal
Further information
You can discover more about Leominster's history, buildings, art and people at Leominster Heart & Heritage.
For further information on projects in the Leominster HSHAZ Scheme, please email LeominsterHSHAZ@herefordshire.gov.uk