Restoration of Historic Buildings Completed in Morley

December 2, 2025 Off By

First projects funded by Morley Town Deal Heritage Investment Fund finished

Two historic commercial buildings on Queen Street in Morley have been restored and repurposed as part of the Morley Town Deal Heritage Investment Fund. This marks the completion of the first heritage investment projects funded through the scheme, which is administered by Leeds City Council.

Details of the restoration work

The buildings, located within the expanded Morley conservation area, underwent several months of renovation. The work included restoring shopfronts, doors, and windows to traditional designs. Inappropriate additions such as external shutters were removed to make the properties more sympathetic to the character of the conservation area.

Shopfronts returned to traditional designs
Doors and windows restored
Removal of external shutters
Enhancements to align with conservation area standards

Funding and future plans

The restoration was funded through the Morley Town Deal’s Heritage Investment Fund, which forms part of a wider £24.3 million grant from the UK Government’s Towns Fund programme. This programme aims to invest in the heritage buildings across Morley by providing grants to building owners.

Additional investments are planned for other heritage shopfronts in Morley. Several properties are currently working towards grant agreements to deliver further commercial space and restore more buildings in the town centre.

Statements from officials

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport, and sustainable development, said:

“Morley has a great deal of unique and beautiful architecture that is not currently utilised to its full potential. By investing in these buildings and others in Morley, we are not only protecting and preserving the town’s incredible heritage, we are also updating its fundamental infrastructure and making underutilised and empty spaces work for residents. The Heritage Investment Fund is just one example of how the Morley Town Deal will leave a long-lasting legacy on the town that will benefit people for generations to come.”

Dan Merrick, chair of the Morley Town Deal heritage working group, added:

“Protecting, reinvigorating and bringing Morley’s heritage buildings back into full use has been a key pillar of the Morley Town Deal from its conception. It is gratifying to see the completion of the first two buildings to benefit from the Heritage Investment Fund programme, with more buildings in the pipeline set to benefit from the scheme.”