Skipton MP Shows Support for Rejuvenation of Historic Town Centre
Historic England and North Yorkshire Council have been showing Julian Smith CBE MP how they are working together to rejuvenate Skipton’s historic town centre.
Staff from Historic England and the Council accompanied the Skipton and Ripon MP on a visit around the Skipton High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), where more than £6 million has been invested to breathe new life into the town through the development and repair of its historic buildings and streets.
Established in 2020, Skipton High Street Heritage Action Zone is a four-year programme aimed at improving routes across the town and increasing its attraction to younger people.
During his visit, Julian Smith was shown several key projects including Craven Arts House, which has involved the conversion of a former Victorian school into artists’ studios, a recording studio and a performance space.
The MP also visited the Grade II-listed Town Hall, where the HSHAZ has funded repairs to its façade and the landscaping of the forecourt, providing a more attractive outdoor seating area. Inside, Historic England and North Yorkshire Council have supported the restoration of the Victorian concert hall, removing unattractive 20th century alterations, revealing the full grandeur of the space and making it fit for continued use.
It was fantastic to visit Skipton with Historic England and North Yorkshire Council, to see how they are working together to rejuvenate this historic town centre. The Skipton High Street Heritage Action Zone programme is a great opportunity to both unlock the potential of our high street and protect its future. I’m really grateful to local councillors and officials, alongside the teams at Historic England and North Yorkshire Council, who together have driven these projects forward. I look forward to seeing the finished result!
