Consultants are to be paid £85,000 to devise an "inspiring and innovative" vision for regenerating Ripon.

Harrogate Borough Council has advertised a 12-month contract to draw up a masterplan for the city.

The scheme, called the Ripon Renewal Project, will provide a framework for future development that also considers current initiatives, such as the regeneration of the former Ripon barracks.

Applicants have until December 22 to apply. Work is due to start on January 10 and last all of next year.

Whoever is appointed will be tasked with setting out "clear and robust" delivery timescales, funding options and a business case for the council to use to bid for money for projects.

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The brief says the council will use its own funds as well as funding from York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership and North Yorkshire County Council for the initiative.

Ripon has a population of about 16,000 people.

Plans for the 1,300-home re-development of the former Ripon barracks were submitted in September.

The development is a joint project between public bodies Homes England and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, which is part of the Ministry of Defence.

The planned homes will include a significant number of two and three-bedroom mid-range houses plus apartments.

The project also includes a community centre, employment space, shops, parkland, a new primary school and sports facilities.

Residents have raised concerns about issues such as transport and health.