It will be business as usual for a Ripon art gallery, if plans to extensively redevelop premises in a prime city location receive approval.
David Harrison owns and operates the gallery at 19 Kirkgate, where he also provides a bespoke framing service.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“I’ve had amicable and constructive discussions with the landlord and I am happy with what they are proposing.
“I’ve been here for seven years and their plans mean that I will be able to continue to trade from this location”
Mr Harrison, who was born and bred in Ripon, is well-known by the city’s arts community. Work by locally-based contemporary artists, such as Carol Ashworth, can be bought from his shop.
He said:
“I went to school in the city and my parents used to run the White Horse pub in North Street, so I know a lot of people in Ripon.”
David Harrison pictured in his gallery next to an original work by Carol Ashworth
Sterne Properties, which owns 19 Kirkgate, has submitted a planning application to Harrogate Borough Council for internal reconfiguration of the building, which currently comprises Mr Harrisons’ retail unit at street level and a two-bedroom flat above.
The Ripon-based property company is seeking permission to create a cottage incorporating two flats at the premises, which are close to the city’s iconic cathedral.
With changes to the internal layout of the building including the removal of a wall, the gallery will be able to retain its space.
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The building has had an arts connection for many years. Prior to Mr Harrison setting up his business, 19 Kirkgate, was home to Alan Matthews Watercolours and works of the artist could be seen and purchased from the premises.
Sterne’s track record
Sterne’s track record of property development has supported retail regeneration and the hospitality and leisure sectors in Ripon.
The company’s projects include the mixed-used redevelopment of the former NatWest bank building next to Ripon Town Hall, which brought the Claro Lounge to the city and saw the creation of apartments on the upper floors.
Other developments include Halls (formerly Wrens) on Fishergate, where Ripon’s only department store reopened last year.
The company was also responsible for the redevelopment of a former furniture store on North Street, which enabled Curzon to bring cinema back to the city for the first time in more than 30 years.
