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21
May
Planners give thumbs-up to return of cinema to Ripon
North Yorkshire Council has backed plans to create a three-screen cinema on Fishergate in Ripon.
Central Cinemas Ltd, which operates small independent cinemas in Ilkley and Wetherby, applied to convert the unit that was previously the Original Factory Shop.
In an interview with the Stray Ferret, John Tate, one of two men behind the venture, said the company had acquired a 20-year lease on the premises and hoped to open on May 27 this year. You can read the interview here.
The project cleared a major hurdle today (May 21) when the council granted planning permission to change the use of the building from retail to cinema.
Council case officer Izabelle Waddington said:
“Overall, the proposed changes represent an improvement in the frontage of the large unit which will be more sympathetic to the Ripon conservation area.”
The site of the Original Factory Shop on Fishergate
Planning documents reveal the proposed operating hours are 9.30am to 11.30pm.
The applicants also plan to install a kitchen so they can sell pizzas and snacks such as toasties and platters.
Ripon has been without a cinema since the Curzon on North Street closed three years ago.
Central Cinemas’ proposal has generated excitement and received favourable comments during the council consultation phase.
The council’s economic development officer said it “represents a significant opportunity for the city centre, delivering clear and tangible benefits for local businesses, residents and visitors”.
They added:
Introducing a cinema at this location would generate sustained footfall throughout the day and, importantly, into the evening too, providing a safe, accessible and year-round leisure offer. Increased levels of activity are likely to benefit nearby cafes, restaurants and retailers through linked trips, contributing positively to the overall health and resilience of the city centre.
Central Cinemas said its Ilkley and Wetherby cinemas attracted 241 and 146 daily customers on average respectively. It expects Ripon to average between 220 to 280 customers per day.
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