Heritage bid for Goole town centre

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is asking Historic England to give Goole town centre Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) status.

Working with Goole Civic Society, Goole Town Council and local businesses, the bid’s aim is to find new uses for empty historic buildings in the town centre. To do that, the people behind the bid want to boost investors’ confidence by raising the profile of the Goole’s distinct industrial and maritime heritage, and its ability to meet modern requirements.

Historic England is said to be keen on proposals that could provide new homes, and Goole proposals have identified which might be suitable for mixed uses, as well as those that simple need restoration work.

Helen Hoult, renaissance manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The Aire Street triangle has often been referred to as the area most in need of this type of activity.

“A few years ago a significant funding bid was unfortunately unsuccessful because of concerns at the time that public funding might be spent, but investor confidence would remain low.

“We can all see how that situation is changing, especially in Aire Street. We hope that by securing the platform of HAZ status we can begin to move forward with plans to improve Goole’s conservation area.”

If they think it has potential, Goole will be invited through to the next bidding stage.

East Riding’s Cllr Andy Burton added: “East Riding of Yorkshire Council is committed to preserving the heritage of the area and is continuing to work closely with its partners and the local community.

The town has a rich industrial and maritime history that should be celebrated and shared. We hope that by securing the support of Historic England we can start to tell Goole’s story to the world.”