Our History
Leeds Buildings Preservation Trust is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. It was formed out of Leeds Civic Trust in 1977 as a way of making a practical difference to problem heritage buildings. Early successes were through encouragement and influence, rather than direct action, for example 30-38 Dock Street, the Lodge in Seminary Street, St John’s Terrace in Little Woodhouse and Mount St. Mary’s in Richmond Hill. As Leeds Civic Trust noted In its 1987 Annual Report, “the massive escalation in property prices has meant that almost any building in the city, no matter what its condition, has been viable to some developer or individual.”
Following a change of Trustees in the mid-1990s, Leeds BPT continued to look at possibilities and in the early 2000s. took ownership of the Grade II listed St George’s Water and Clock Tower in Rothwell, once part of St George’s Hospital before redevelopment of its site at that time.
Our Aims
The aim of the Trust is to restore heritage buildings at risk using grant aid where available; another project being the Gate Lodges at Roundhay Park. The Trust aims to create exemplar restorations of historic buildings keeping them true to their original character through the use of appropriate conservation techniques, while enhancing energy efficiency and disseminating heritage construction skills.
Our Trustees
Jim Brettell has been involved in the voluntary heritage sector for many years, becoming a trustee in 1995 having joined Leeds Civic Trust in 1984. He is currently on the board of Leeds Civic Trust, a position he has held off and on for most of that time. He is also a member of Leeds Civic Trust’s Planning Committee. He was a member of the Leeds Museums Advisory Panel 2008. Jim is a retired probation officer.
Peter Baker has been an honorary consultant to LBPT for many years, recently becoming a trustee. He is a retired architect and planner and has worked in local authorities and in private practice restoring listed buildings, preparing conservation area appraisals, and facilitating several Neighbourhood Design Statements and Neighbourhood Plans with local community groups. Peter is a Vice-President of Leeds Civic Trust and has been a member since 1984, serving as Chair for six years, previously chairing its planning committee, on which he still sits.
Kate Mitchell is a Heritage Project Manager, working for Creative Heritage, having previously worked as a construction safety consultant. Kate’s work involves heritage project management including the ‘For Tyldesley’ Heritage Action Zone and schemes in Ashton-in-Makerfield and Leigh Town Centre, as well as historical research, Heritage Impact Assessments, and Conservation Management Plans. Kate holds an MA in Historic Environment Conservation.