A Leeds-based architecture firm is seeking the views of Ripon people to help it devise a masterplan to regenerate the city.

Harrogate Borough Council appointed Bauman Lyons Architects in February on an £85,000 contract to devise a Ripon renewal plan.

The plan will provide a framework for future development in the city that also considers current initiatives, such as the regeneration of the former Ripon barracks.

The council said yesterday it wanted to hear from people in the city, in particular young people, to help shape the new vision. As part of the scheme, the council is creating a citizens’ panel, which will involve attending some two-hour workshops this year.

Bauman Lyons haș already consulted with 60 organisations and held a campaign for people aged 16 to 30 to ‘speak up and speak out’ about their ideas for the city.

Among the issues identified are more things for young people to do, fewer cars on the roads around the market place, affordable housing and pedestrian and cyclist priority in the city centre.

There were also calls for better traffic management on Low Skellgate and Westgate and a new green route to link the Workhouse Museum and cathedral.

Read more:

• £85,000 project to create a masterplan for Ripon’s future
• Ripon should be ‘meeting place of choice’ says Civic Society
• Devolution prompts Ripon to take charge of city assets

Trevor Watson, director of economy, environment and housing at the council, said:

“It is a priority project for us and we want to work with the community in Ripon to build upon the work already undertaken by the local community in drawing up the city’s Neighbourhood Plan and the many other opportunities and assets Ripon has to develop a joined-up and detailed masterplan.”

Irena Bauman, from Bauman Lyons Architects, said:

“Ripon is a wonderful gem, but it needs to adapt to be relevant to young people and to their futures. We are looking forward to working with everyone, especially the young, towards a common vision of 21st century Ripon.”

Ripon people can have their say on the project online here and express an interest in joining the panel here.

Ripon Civic Society is urging Harrogate Borough Council not to rush the sale of Ripon’s Spa Baths.

The society believes serious consideration should be given to using the grade II listed building to increase health provision.

RCS chair Christopher Hughes told the Stray Ferret:

“Ripon Civic Society urges that disposal of Ripon Spa Baths must not happen without transparent evidence that its potential contribution to health provision in our growing city and wider value to the community have been thoroughly addressed.”

The Ripon Neighbourhood Plan identified the baths as an important and accessible location for Ripon’s NHS facilities.

It set out how it could enhance health facilities for the city in coordination with the nearby Ripon Community Hospital and general practices.

Read more:

• Council’s concerns over proposed sale of Ripon Spa Baths
• Ripon Hospital patients moved out after covid outbreak

The plan, which involved input from HBC, Ripon City Council, RCS and other partners, states:

“The Spa Quarter provides the largest area of protected open space for the city centre, the enhancement of which through integration of currently separated Spa Park and Spa Gardens,  (it) is significant for the city centre’s atmosphere and amenity.”

Mr Hughes said RCS was surprised to learn that Harrogate Borough Council is selling the Spa Baths:

He added:

“What is important is that the Ripon Neighbourhood Plan acknowledges the eventual disposal of the Baths if and when they should become redundant. They are a principal part of the Spa Quarter and part of the big picture for Ripon city centre.”

The society believes the new Ripon Renewal project provides an immediate opportunity to explore how the Spa  Baths can best contribute to the city’s regeneration.

A Harrogate Borough Council spokesman said:

“Ripon Spa Baths has served the community well over the years and is now being replaced by a modern, state-of-the-art pool at Ripon Leisure Centre, following significant investment by the borough council.

“This new six-lane 25-metre pool will offer 70 per cent more water space, extensive changing facilities, bicycle and car parking and complements the extensively improved leisure centre.

“Once the project is complete, it will provide much needed state-of-the-art facilities that will encourage a healthier and more active lifestyle for our residents, and provide one of the most modern leisure facilities in the region.

“The future sale, and redevelopment of the listed building, would allow this local asset to be redeveloped (subject to planning approval), retain key features and remain as a city landmark.”