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12
Dec
Ripon Wetherspoon granted listed building consent for WiFi upgrade
A historic Ripon hotel has been granted listed building consent to upgrade WiFi throughout the building.
The Unicorn Hotel, a JD Wetherspoon premises in the city’s Market Place, operates as both a pub and a hotel.
The company applied to North Yorkshire Council in October and was granted permission this week (December 9).
JD Wetherspoon produced a heritage statement to ensure that the grade II listed building’s “historical facade and interior features remain unchanged".
Its design and access statement said that the aim of the project is to “install a robust WiFi infrastructure to improve connectivity for guests and staff.”
The project will create reliable wireless coverage ensuring consistent signal strength across the bar, restaurant, and rooms.
The installation of upgraded WiFi will include multiple wireless access points and upgraded cabling, positioned across all levels of the building.
The plans added:
Upgrading WiFi connectivity aligns with current guest expectations and enhances the building’s function without compromising its historic value. The sensitive placement of equipment ensures that the building’s grade two listed status remains a priority throughout the process.
Documents state that the equipment will be installed discreetly using wall mounts and false ceiling mounts constructed of plasterboard to blend without visible alterations to historical features.
Installation will require no structural modifications and cabling runs will utilise current entry points, such as the basement of the five-storey building.
Works to install the upgraded WiFi will occur during business hours but will avoid heavy trading hours and public access will be maintained.
Council case officer Amy Benfold said the scheme would "preserve and enhance" the listed building.
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