Ripon Town Hall handed to council to unlock its ‘potential’

The move, involving Ripon Town Hall, follows a decision by North Yorkshire Council in April to lease the Grade II-listed building to Ripon City Council under a 99-year agreement at a nominal rent of £1 per year.

Dating back to 1799, the town hall has long stood as a centrepiece of Ripon’s Market Place and was gifted to the city in the 1890s by the Marquess of Granby.

 The Mayor of Ripon, Cllr Andrew Williams, talks to the leader of North Yorkshire Council, Cllr Carl Les, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for corporate services, Cllr Heather Phillips, and Mayoress of Ripon, Cllr Jackie Crozier (Image: NYC)

Andrew Williams, the newly appointed Mayor of Ripon, has played a key role in the asset transfer discussions and sees this as an opportunity not just for Ripon but for wider community-led regeneration across North Yorkshire.

Councillor Williams said: “This handover brings with it a significant amount of work, but it is an exciting opportunity.

“Our first step will be to invite residents to view the whole site and share their ideas on how it could be used.

“We will then move forward with appointing consultants to develop a robust business plan.”

He also reflected on the lengthy process behind the transfer.

Ripon Mayor Cllr Andrew Williams, third from the left, talks to the leader of North Yorkshire Council, Cllr Carl Les, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for corporate services, Cllr Heather Phillips, left, Ripon MayoressCllr Jackie Crozie (Image: NYC)

Councillor Williams said: “There is a real mixture of relief and optimism at this moment.

“After more than three years of making the case and working through the detail, it is reassuring to see that perseverance has paid off.

“The process has also been a learning curve, and we hope it will help pave the way for future applications to be handled more swiftly.

“We would strongly encourage other local communities to consider similar opportunities, using redundant public buildings to regenerate their areas and breathe new life into valued local assets.”

The transfer supports North Yorkshire Council’s wider ambitions to give town and parish councils, as well as community groups, greater control over facilities and decision-making at a local level.

Council leader Carl Les said: “This transfer reflects our clear commitment to empowering local councils and communities to take greater control over important local assets.

“Ripon Town Hall is a historic building, and placing its future in local hands gives it the best opportunity to be preserved, revitalised and used in a way that meets local needs.

“We look forward to continuing to support Ripon City Council as it works with residents to unlock the long-term potential of this landmark building for the benefit of the city.”

Heather Phillips, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for corporate services, also emphasised the importance of the transfer.

Councillor Phillips said: “It is important that buildings like this are managed in a way that is sustainable, responsible and delivers value for local communities.

“Working closely with Ripon City Council, we are confident the town hall will be cared for appropriately and developed with a clear vision for its future, while safeguarding its heritage.

“This partnership approach helps ensure important buildings are put to best use and continue to serve their communities for generations to come.”

North Yorkshire Council will provide £55,000 in initial funding as part of the handover, continue to cover business rates for 2026/27, and assist in securing additional external investment.

Existing tenants, including the Ripon and District Amateur Radio Society and current office users, will remain in place under the new arrangement.