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13
Dec 2024
Leading garden design studio details move to Ripon
Alistair W Baldwin, one of Britain’s leading garden designers, has announced a relocation to new premises in the centre of Ripon.
Plans were first submitted to North Yorkshire Council last month, as reported by the Stray Ferret.
Now, the man behind the venture has detailed his plans to move to 11 Fishergate.
The move marks a new chapter for the designer and educator, bringing his garden design school and landscape architecture studio under one roof.
The premises will also become home to the Alistair W Baldwin Studio, the company behind some of the most elegant gardens in the north, including Raby Castle, Rudding Park and Grantley Hall.
The design studio was previously situated at Newby Hall and the Yorkshire School of Garden Design was located at Harewood House.
The 1500 sq ft, two-story, Victorian Grade II listed building was the Leeds Permanent Building Society became the Scope charity shop in 2012 until its closure in 2020.
Sterne Properties Limited became owners in October 2023 and within a month it was spotted by Alistair Baldwin.
Mr Baldwin and the directors at Sterne Properties Limited have been working on a full programme of repairs and renovation to bring the building back to its original glory.
Mr Baldwin previously told the Stray Ferret that building would undergo an extensive refurbishment and that his company and the landlord have “invested significantly” to repair the roof as well as to restore and decorate the interior.
The exterior of the building has been painted green and features a spacious, state-of-the-art design studio with LED screens on the ground floor.
The second floor will become learning areas and an event space. Both levels feature new wooden flooring, a forest green kitchen from Yorkshire’s Moore’s Furniture Group and open chocolate brown shelving.
Alistair Baldwin has spent 12 years teaching landscape and garden design at Leeds Beckett University, as well as running his practice and is a significant figure in the gardening world.
Mr Baldwin said:
We are delighted to welcome our students and local community to this exciting new chapter in our history. The move to Ripon reflects our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible education in garden design. The city centre has always been on our wish list as it allows our staff to work collaboratively, an important aspect of our creative process. It also provides a great base for our students so they can enjoy all the city has to offer while they complete their course.
Our investment in new, physical headquarters for elements of the business is part of our broader mission to shape the future of the industry by educating the next generation of garden designers who can lead with both creativity and meaningful, tailored design.
Alistair Baldwin. Image: Eva Nemeth
Robert Sterne, director at Sterne Properties Limited, added:
Our partnership with Alistair W Baldwin brings new life to this historic building, which has been revitalised after years of disrepair. The building has been transformed to provide a perfect setting.
As a local developer, we are proud to contribute to the ongoing regeneration of Ripon, alongside recent openings such as Claro Lounge, Caffè Nero, and Bud Floral Designs. With Ripon’s growing reputation and a buzz of excitement in the city, we’re confident that Alistair W Baldwin’s presence will further enhance the high street and attract more visitors from across the UK to our beautiful city.
To celebrate the opening of the new headquarters, Alistair W Baldwin will host an event in the new year to welcome guests to the new facilities.
There will be an opportunity to meet course tutors and alumni and see projects past and present.
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