Guisborough town centre no longer on heritage risk list

Historic England has today (Thursday, November 10) published its annual Heritage at Risk Register for 2022 and Guisborough Conservation Area is among 13 North East sites removed from the list.

Most of Guisborough's town centre is designated as a conservation area in recognition of its attractive character and retention of much of its 17th century layout.

The Conservation Area was added to the Heritage at Risk Register owing to the dilapidated state of the Grade II-listed Town Hall, and the number of vacant and rundown shops.

Shorty's Gins in Guisborough Town Hall Picture: Historic England Archive (Image: Historic England Archive)

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council responded by acquiring the Town Hall and working with a community-led team to breathe new life into the building.

Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Tees Valley Combined Authority and RCBC, the Town Hall has been transformed into a stunning gateway to the North York Moors National Park, housing a heritage and information centre, as well as quality visitor accommodation.

Read more: Major North East attraction recevies £750k - Here's how it's going to be spent

The Town Hall is also home to Shorty’s Gins, a local artisan distillery, that has won international awards for its flagship product, Endeavour London Dry Gin.

Meanwhile, on the high street, shop fronts have been repaired and restored, while vacant shops have been occupied with new businesses including Koselig, a new Nordic-inspired bakery.

Guisborough Town Hall pictured in 2018 when it was announced it was receiving Lottery funding for refurbishment Picture: Stuart Boulton (Image: Newsquest)

Read more:

• Darlington families hit out at builder who took deposits but 'never completed work'
• Major North East attraction recevies £750k - Here's how it's going to be spent
• Young drinker jailed for two glass attacks at County Durham workingmen's club

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