Regional projects shine in new heritage guide

COMMUNITY groups wanting to take over the management of historic buildings, monuments and landscapes from local authorities are set to get a helping hand.

A new national guide has been launched by English Heritage at a time when the Government is encouraging people to have a bigger role in improving their areas.

The guide provides advice and checklists on the process of transferring ownership of historic places.

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It says that community involvement can often help prevent historically significant buildings or open spaces from falling into disrepair at a time when local authorities are looking to make financial savings. Grassroots projects in West Yorkshire are highlighted as successful studies of what can be accomplished.

A bleak outlook confronted Keighley Central Hall, founded in the mid-19th century as a Primitive Methodist Chapel, but which ceased to be used for worship in the 1970s. It was then used as a base for community services before safety concerns saw it shut in 2003.

Now Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary and Community Action is working with Bradford Council to restore the property and take it over on a 99-year lease. Key tenants are expected to include Age UK and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

In Leeds, over 20 years of dereliction is being reversed at a Grade II listed former school building. The restored Shine Centre has been set up as a community and business resource by Harehills Community Interest Company to support entrepreneurs wanting to make their mark.