A 15th Century postern tower on York’s historic city walls has received a major boost through being awarded a £10,000 government grant to develop the business case for its acquisition, restoration and reuse as a community space.

The Red Tower Restoration Project, led by grassroots network The Incredible Movement (TIM) in York in partnership with City of York Council, applied to the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Community Ownership and Management of Assets (COMA) programme. The aim is to acquire the Red Tower on a long lease from the city’s council through a ‘community asset transfer’.

TIM wishes to open the long-unused building for the local community and visitors to enjoy a range of activities centred on food. The refurbished building will incorporate a community kitchen, café, growing space and general community space resulting in an increase in provision in this area of the city.

Activities have been taking place throughout the year, including a successful opening at York Residents First weekend, Heritage Open Day and a regular pay-as-you-feel café on Saturdays throughout the summer.

This has resulted in over 1,000 people enjoying the building and discovering its potential. Visitors have ranged from local residents to international visitors. Many children have also regularly visited the building, thrilled by its unique character and a chance to discover history at first hand. Further events will take place at the Red Tower over the winter.
Work on this stage of the project will commence immediately, and by next spring, the group will know if it is feasible to bring the building back into use, and how that could happen. It is hoped that further funds will be raised to fully bring the building back into use. (more…)