“Today is a huge day for Ripon” says City councillor Jackie Crozier.
Plans have been approved to transfer Ripon Town Hall from North Yorkshire Council to Ripon City Council on a 99-year lease for a nominal rent of just £1 per year.
“It will open up new opportunities to secure external investment, bring the building back to life, and ensure it once again makes a positive contribution to the city.” She added.
Built in 1799 as private assembly rooms, the Town Hall was later gifted to the city in the 1890s by the Marquess of Granby.
It’s hoped that the Town Hall will be set to once again become a focal point for residents and visitors alike—helping to revitalise the heart of the city.
Cllr Andrew Williams (North Yorkshire Council and Ripon City Council) said: “The deal agreed allows Ripon City Council to hand the building back to North Yorkshire Council if funding can’t be secured to regenerate it, equally if the funds can be secured the agreement provides for the lease to be terminated and the freehold of the building transferred to Ripon City Council for free.
“This is a great opportunity to breathe new life into the building and once the legals are completed we will be opening it up for the public to come and see the full extent of the building and listen to what they would like to see it used for.”
