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03
Jun
Ripon Civic Renewal Trust to be formed to oversee regeneration of key buildings
A civic renewal charity is to be formed to oversee the transfer to local ownership and regeneration of some of Ripon’s most prestigious buildings.
North Yorkshire Council agreed in April to give Ripon City Council a 99-year lease on Ripon Town Hall for a peppercorn rent of £1 per year.
Hugh Ripley Hall and the Wakeman’s House are expected to follow a similar path as part of North Yorkshire Council leader Carl Les’ policy of devolving power from Northallerton to local areas.
The city council is keen to begin work on the town hall by organising public tours this summer to find out what people would like to see the building used for.
It would then need to fundraise millions of pounds to improve the fabric of the rundown and largely disused building and repurpose it for whatever functions it takes on.
City councillors agreed on Monday (June 1) to create a charity to help it apply for grants and receive donations for the project.
A report to councillors ahead of the meeting said:
The charity could also have a future operational role, where appropriate. For example, once any capital project at the town hall is complete, it could potentially operate or support a museum, heritage, cultural or other charitable activity within the building.
The charity would not replace the council’s role or ownership responsibilities. It would act as a supporting fundraising, partnership and potentially operational vehicle.
A possible working name could be: Ripon Civic Renewal Trust.
Lawyers are still working on the transfer of the town hall.
Rachel Joyce, assistant chief executive of North Yorkshire Council, told Monday’s meeting that a repair licence before lease could be issued to avoid delays.
She explained:
That would allow the work to be done in advance of the lease being signed by all parties, which shouldn’t be too long. We have already agreed the heads of terms so I think that’s fairly risk-free.
Public engagement days
The city council plans to hold public engagement days in July, August and September.
The July and August events would “allow the council to make a clear local statement about the town hall project, invite residents into the building, and show that the process is open from the outset”, according to the report.
The September event, which would form part of Heritage Open Days, would include a talk by the mayor on the future of the town hall and more guided tours, including to the mayor’s parlour and civic collection.
The report says:
“Tours should be positive but honest. They should celebrate the building while helping residents understand why investment is needed.”
The city council estimates the cost of the engagement programme to be between £820 and £1,380.
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