Exciting plans are being discussed
that could see the Richmond Lower School site pass into the
stewardship of Richmondshire District Council to be used as
community buildings and new office accommodation for the
authority.
With the historic school site becoming vacant
later this year, the opportunity is being taken to look at how this
could meet the Council’s future requirements as well as community
uses.
A scheme is being considered that could see it
refurbished as a Community House, where a number of voluntary and
community organisations serving Richmondshire could co-locate.
Rooms - including the very impressive Grand Hall - would also
be available for hire by the community for a variety of public and
private uses. The modern Lower School block could be
re-developed into new office space for the authority under these
proposals.
The District Council and current owners, North
Yorkshire County Council, have been working together to identify a
solution for the site’s future for some time.
“This scheme will provide a huge ‘Win – Win’
for the Council, its staff, and many of the various community
groups in Richmond,” said Council Leader, Councillor John
Blackie.
“New fit-for-purpose office accommodation for
our Council officers is long, long overdue, and a number of
community groups in Richmond are seeking to re-locate to a new
base, with meeting rooms and function facilities on hand. All
these organisations will benefit from working closely with each
other and the Council on the same site.
”After serving loyally the local community for
hundreds of years, it is appropriate that the fine Old School in
its grand setting perched overlooking the River Swale should
continue in public ownership, albeit with a fresh direction and a
new lease of life”.
June 21, 2011
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