Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
27
Nov
Ripon Market Place set for regeneration scheme
Public art could be installed in Ripon Market Place as part of a bid to make it a “vibrant outdoor civic venue” that can stage more events.
North Yorkshire Council is drawing up town investment plans for 32 locations, including Ripon, Knaresborough, Harrogate, Masham, Pateley Bridge and Boroughbridge.
It says the plans will create “a co-ordinated approach to regeneration and investment across the county”.
A council report, which you can read here, reveals Ripon has been identified as one of the first to benefit following a series of engagement events.
The report, which will go before the council’s Skipton and Ripon area committee on December 4, recommends backing two schemes in the area: improving Skipton Canal waterfront and enhancing Ripon Market Place.
It says the Ripon initiative “involves the refurbishment and upgrade of the Market Square and its surrounding public realm”.
The report adds:
This project seeks to enhance the Market Place as a vibrant outdoor civic venue, creating an attractive setting for events and encouraging residents and visitors to spend more time in the city centre.
The key elements are:
- Upgrading street furniture such as bins, benches, signage, bollards, and planters
- Installing infrastructure to support events
- Refurbishing the existing telephone boxes
- Incorporating public art installations
Up to £250,000
The report says “grants are expected to range from £50,000 to £250,000” for schemes that can be delivered by December 2027 but does not reveal how much would be spent in Ripon.
York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has allocated £2.7 million from its Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund to support “early initiatives” identified in the council town investment plans. North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council can bid for this.
The report says the Market Square project would support Ripon Neighbourhood Plan “by strengthening the city centre as a preferred meeting place for residents and visitors, enhancing Ripon’s physical character and facilitating the city’s regeneration”.
It adds:
In addition, it contributes to a core objective of the Ripon Business Improvement District: promoting Ripon as a must-see destination by looking at ways to add more directional and welcome signage.
The anticipated outcomes of this project will be: Increased footfall and dwell time by residents and visitors and greater demand for space and utilisation of empty properties in the vicinity of the Market Place.
Further discussion is still required with key stakeholders including Ripon City Council and Ripon BID to develop the designs.
0