Former school could become cultural and digital hub

A historic former grammar school site in North Yorkshire could be transformed into a centre for cultural activities and digital enterprise under plans to be considered by councillors.

The proposals for the former Richmond Grammar School building are aimed at bringing cultural events as well as cutting-edge technology to the Yorkshire Dales.

The plan is also due to focus on providing opportunities for the younger generations.

Members of North Yorkshire Council’s executive will consider the plans, which have been drawn up by the Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust following 12 months of public consultations.

A report which will be discussed by executive members on 6 May sets out a move to transfer the former school site, which is currently owned by the council, to the preservation trust for use as a community facility.

Deputy leader, Councillor Gareth Dadd, whose responsibilities include finance and assets, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to bring opportunities and experiences for local communities and visitors to Richmond that would normally only be seen in large towns and cities.

“We will consider the proposals carefully when the executive meets next week as this is the chance to bring the site back into use after more than a decade since the grammar school closed.

“The proposals do have a strong focus on young people which would allow them to take up a host of new opportunities, bringing digital to the Dales.

“It is a major ambition for us as a council to ensure that we can bring vitality and enterprise to our market towns.

“But ultimately we are in the last chance saloon as the building would have to be sold if this particular project does not progress.”

The Grade II listed building is within the Richmond Conservation Area and has been vacant since the school was closed in 2011, despite previous efforts to bring it back into community use.

Former pupils at the school, which was founded in the 14th century, include famous author Lewis Carroll, who wrote Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and its sequel Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There.

Proposals for the building also offer the potential to re-locate or accommodate existing assets and services in the town such as the town’s library as well as broader community learning facilities.

Elected member for the Richmond division, Cllr Stuart Parsons, added: “The former grammar school site holds a very special place in the hearts of so many people in the town.

“To have the opportunity to bring a new chapter for the building is extremely exciting, especially as it would provide new opportunities for young people living in the town and the surrounding area.”

If the proposals to transfer the former school to the preservation trust are approved, the trust will embark on a fundraising campaign to finance the development.

However, if grant funding is not secured, the report states that the old school – which has a current market value of about £370,000 – would be put up for sale.