Goole’s Aire Street bags national award

Back in the September edition of Our Goole, we told you that Goole’s Aire Street had been shortlisted for a national award and we’re thrilled to be able to tell you that it won.

Julie and Howard Duckworth have won Best Rescue of a Heritage Site for the restoration of Aire Street in the Historic England Angel Awards. The ceremony was held in London and the hard-working duo were there to accept the award in person.

Julie told Our Goole: ‘Howard and I were absolutely speechless when we won the award – and anyone who knows Howard will be very surprised to hear that. We really are absolutely delighted, not just for ourselves but for Goole as a community and as a town. We hope it raises awareness of Goole as a place to visit and also that it restores some pride in the locals – we think the town is just amazing and we want everyone who lives here to agree.’

Since 2004 Howard and Julie have been transforming the unique historic buildings on Aire Street and the surrounding area. 46-52 Aire Street and Dock View has had an extensive makeover – derelict buildings have become retail units, restaurants and affordable apartments.

The grade II* Lowther Hotel was completed in 2010 and features 12 bedrooms, a cocktail bar and a number of function rooms. The transformation allowed one of Goole’s most historic buildings to be brought back to life.

The Drake Inn at 58 Aire Street is now a popular real ale bar and home to ten bedrooms. When removing the plaster and false ceiling at the inn, which used to be a Barclays Bank, builders discovered hundreds of rare Minton tiles that were made in 1884. Julie and Howard were offered £70,000 cash for them but they refused – believing the tiles should remain a part of the building so that locals and visitors could enjoy them.

The restoration took place without any grant funding and banks would not provide the Julie Howard Partnership with loans for the buildings. All of the restored buildings were in a horrendous condition when they were initially bought by Julie and Howard.

Dock View and 46-52 Aire Street had even been used as one of the largest drug factories in East Yorkshire and had gaping holes in the roof – who would’ve thought it would now be home to a highly successful Italian restaurant?

Both Julie and Howard have dedicated a lot of time and money to Goole. They are really passionate about what they do and the results show – the award is just further confirmation. Well done to them both.