A proposal to transfer ownership of the historic Ripon Town Hall to the City Council is aimed at “creating new opportunities to revitalise the landmark building and help reinvigorate the heart of Ripon” say North Yorkshire Council.
The venue in the city’s Market Place dates from 1799 and was originally gifted to Ripon in the 1890s by the Marquess of Granby, having previously been private assembly rooms.
Members of North Yorkshire Council’s executive will discuss a report on Tuesday next week (April 21) outlining the proposals.
Councillors will be asked to approve in principle a 99‑year lease of the Grade II listed building to Ripon City Council for a peppercorn rent of £1 per year.
As part of any deal, North Yorkshire Council would provide £55,000 in initial funding, continue to pay business rates for 2026/27, and help to secure further external investment.
If given the go-ahead, the move would demonstrate the authority’s commitment to allow bodies such as the City Council along with town and parish councils and community groups to make their own decisions.
North Yorkshire Council’s deputy leader and executive member for finance and resources, Cllr Gareth Dadd, said:
In 2023 we made a commitment to our communities to be the most local large council in England.
Handing power and responsibility to our communities where appropriate was at the heart of this ambition, and this proposal would be a positive step along that path.
The plan aims to provide benefits for the community, local economy and heritage of the city, while reducing ongoing running costs for North Yorkshire Council.
Cllr Dadd said:
By handing over responsibility for Ripon Town Hall to the City Council there is an opportunity for the building to once again become a focal point for both residents and tourists and in turn help to revitalise the centre of this historic city.
While Ripon City Council has not finalised its plans for the hall, its expression of interest stated it would like to reopen the ornate council chamber as a venue for weddings and events, market unused spaces for community use, and improve accessibility throughout the building.
The transfer would also enable Ripon City Council to undertake a full feasibility study and options appraisal to guide future improvements, including preserving the building’s heritage features.
As part of any deal, North Yorkshire Council would provide £55,000 in initial funding, continue to pay business rates for 2026/27, and help to secure further external investment.
Existing tenants – including the Ripon and District Amateur Radio Society and current office users – would continue to be accommodated.
The Mayor of Ripon City Council, Cllr Barbara Brodigan, who represents Ripon Ure Bank and Spa on North Yorkshire Council, said she was proud to support what she said would be ‘a pioneering initiative’ if given the go-ahead.
The Mayor of Ripon City Council, Cllr Barbara Brodigan said:
This would be a proud step forward for Ripon, ensuring that decisions about the Town Hall are made by those who understand our city best and are most closely connected to its residents.
Ripon is leading the way, and I am confident this example of handing down responsibility will inspire other communities to take greater ownership of their valued local assets.
Cllr Andrew Williams, the elected member for Ripon Minster and Moorside division on North Yorkshire Council who has been instrumental in the discussions, said he was hopeful of a positive conclusion when the matter was discussed.
Cllr Andrew Williams said:
Ripon Town Hall has suffered from a long period without investment prior to formation of North Yorkshire Council, leaving this historic building a shadow of what it once was.
If approved, the transfer of Ripon Town Hall to the management of Ripon City Council will open up new opportunities to secure external investment, bring the building back to life and ensuring it once again makes a positive contribution to the city.
See the report:
