The Trust recently extended its portfolio to include 69-71 Micklegate and 14 Lendal, these grade II* properties were converted from townhouses into commercial premises in the late Nineteenth Century and recently suffered a lack of investment, particularly to the upper floors. The Trust are about to embark on renovating these properties with a view of getting them back into full use as soon as possible. Since the last edition of this directory, York Conservation Trust has completed the conversion of Middleton House, Monkgate.
The grade II* former townhouse had been offices for over thirty years but was left vacant due to the shift away from demand for office space within the city centre. The Trust successfully converted it into five high specification apartments in 2014. The Trust has held a long term relationship with City of York Council and has recently taken over ownership of several historic properties.
In 2015 the Trust took the opportunity to purchase York Theatre Royal, at a time when investment was most needed. The theatre had received significant grants for internal improvement but had no funds to undertake urgent repairs to the external fabric. The roofs were leaking badly and it did not make sense to invest so much on internal improvements without addressing the roofs. The Trust was able to re-roof the main areas of the building and also undertake some external masonry repairs.
Alongside this the Trust has undertaken the full refurbishment of the entrance canopy and funded additional works for the internal refurbishment project. The Trust is delighted to have been able to assist with the transformation of this special building which brings so much to the local community.
