A HEREFORDSHIRE town centre is starting to benefit from the renovation and restoration of a number of its historic buildings thanks to grant funding available through the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) programme.

The Leominster HSHAZ is a regeneration initiative supported by Historic England, delivered through Herefordshire Council and Leominster Town Council, with a multi-million pound investment in the market town.

Alongside revitalising historic buildings, the programme aims to improve public spaces and create a vibrant place for locals, businesses and visitors.

Visitors to the town will soon start to notice scaffolding going-up around shopfronts and buildings while restoration work is underway.

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This major investment in the market town looks to deliver schemes that will transform buildings, restoring local historic character and improving public spaces.

The project will see street scene improvements in the High Street, Corn Square and the wider conservation area, creating a vibrant place to live, work and visit.

It is being led by the Mayor of Leominster, Trish Marsh, with representatives from Leominster Town Council, Herefordshire Council, Historic England, and local business and community groups.

Coun Ellie Chowns, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for environment and economy, said:

"I’m delighted that work is now underway which is set to reinvigorate a number of buildings in Leominster town centre.

"Leominster is rich in history and heritage and it’s exciting to see how this grant funding will help to restore and enhance its unique character."

Julie Debbage, town clerk for Leominster Town Council, said: "Leominster’s historic buildings are a much-valued part of our town’s heritage.

"It is fantastic to see HSHAZ funding invested in preserving and enhancing Leominster’s streetscape, for the benefit of residents, visitors and local businesses."