Decision looms on future use of historic Grammar School
There are plans to turn Richmond Grammar School into a centre for cultural activities
A historic former grammar school site in a Yorkshire Dales market town could be transformed into a centre for cultural activities and digital enterprise under plans to be considered by North Yorkshire Council.
The proposals for the former Richmond Grammar School building are aimed at bringing cultural events as well as cutting-edge technology to the Dales.
The plan is also due to focus on providing opportunities for the younger generations in a move that is aimed at ensuring young people are able to access activities in their local communities.
North Yorkshire Council will consider the plans which have been drawn up by the Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust following 12 months of extensive consultations with the public.
A report which will be discussed by executive members on Tuesday, 6 May, sets out a move to transfer the former school site, to the preservation trust for use as a community facility.
Deputy leader, Cllr 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 located within the Richmond Conservation Area and has remained vacant since the school was closed in 2011.
Former pupils at the school, which was founded in the 14th century, include the world-famous author Lewis Carroll, who wrote the novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and its sequel, Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There.