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23
Oct 2024
Business group reports signs of growing confidence in Ripon
The chair of Ripon Business Improvement District has said recent developments in the city indicate a growing level of confidence.
Richard Compton addressed levy payers who gathered on Monday evening for the organisation's annual review at Ripon Arts Hub.
He said:
The opening of the Ripon Inn, the start of rejuvenation works at Spa Baths and the £2.5 million award from the Heritage Lottery Fund to support Ripon Museum Trust, are all positive factors pointing to a city that has increased self-confidence.
Alongside Fountains Abbey, the cathedral and its magnificent choir, each are magnets that add to the city's attraction as we continue to build the Visit Ripon brand.
Mr Compton's posiitive message about Ripon's growing profile and increased interest in what the city has to offer as a destination, is supported by statistics that show a 33 percent reduction in vacancy rates.
BID manager Lilla Bathurst said:
With funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, we engaged the Vacant Shops Academy to discover the issues behind the current vacant retail units, working with landlords, agents, North Yorkshire Council planning and conservation, plus the new combined authority to get units filled.
In March 2024 Ripon had a vacancy rate of 12 percent and the rate now stands at eight percent, compared with a national average of 14 percent.
We are now being used by landlords, agents and potential tenants as a useful resource to help match tenants to properties.
The BID, which was reviewing its third year of operation, is funded through an annual levy paid by 276 businesses and in 2024 its total income was £182,000.
In addition to promoting the the Visit Ripon brand through digital, print and broadcast media, highlights for the year included improved signage, enhanced floral displays, cleaning streets and removal of 7,200 pieces of chewing gum over 108 hours.
The number of businesses using the ShopWatch Radiolink scheme designed to tackle retail crime increased from 12 to 29 and BID members were also able to achieve savings through the introduction of a free cardboard collection and recycling service provided via Ripon Recycling.
Sponsorship of the fast-growing Ripon Theatre Festival will continue in 2025 and before then the BID will, for the second consecutive year, be producing the Ripon at Christmas Guide for the city.
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