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28
May
Ripon bids to take control of key buildings from council
Plans to breathe new life into Ripon’s historic town hall have taken a significant step forward.
The city council has expressed its wish to take control of the grade two listed building from North Yorkshire Council, through an asset transfer.
It has applied to do so as part of North Yorkshire Council's 'double devolution' agenda, which allows parish councils and community groups to apply to manage local assets.
Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams told the Stray Ferret it was not the only building that could soon be under the control of Riponians.
He said:
Discussions with North Yorkshire Council, which owns the property, are going well, as are discussions about Hugh Ripley Hall, which we currently manage under a long lease.
We have also spoken with the unitary authority about our wish to secure the freehold of the Wakeman's House Cafe.
Hugh Ripley Hall
Cllr Williams added:
Each property is of historic significance to Ripon and can contribute to the long-term economic success of our city.
The town hall is central to our plans and we believe that the double devolution can help us to deliver, in consultation with the local community, regeneration of this landmark building.
The Wakeman's House Cafe
The Stray Ferret reported this month that Knaresborough had bid to run its weekly market as part of the double devolution agenda.
North Yorkshire Council must now decide whether to accept the bids and allow the assets to be run locally.
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