North Yorkshire Council's executive, as the owners of The Old Grammar School (formerly Richmond Lower School), have today (6th May 2025) given the go-ahead for the former school site to be transferred to the Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust (RBPT).
This is the first step towards securing the future of this important building, returning it to its former glory, and turning it into a usable asset for the community. The approval marks the start of RBPT's multi-million-pound fundraising campaign, which the success of the project is dependent upon.
Deputy leader for North Yorkshire Council, Cllr Gareth Dadd, whose responsibilities include finance and assets, said: “This decision represents a major milestone for Richmond and the surrounding area with these ambitious plans to transform the site.
“The go-ahead to transfer the building to the Trust fits into our vision for the whole county to bring opportunities and boost the local economy for our communities.
“What is particularly appealing about the plans is that there is a big focus on providing opportunities for all ages, but especially young people to experience culture and access cutting-edge technology locally.
“We are committed to working with the Trust to ensure its vision is realised. But this really is the last option for the site, which will have to be sold if this project does not progress.”
This decision follows the submission of a 130-page business plan by RBPT, following an extensive 12-month public consultation and options appraisal process.
Chris Brown, RBPT's chief executive officer said: “Thanks to North Yorkshire Council's approval as building owners, we will now work tirelessly to bring to life the site for the benefit of Richmond and the wider region. It will require a major effort to secure funding, and we will explore all avenues available to us.
“Our proposals not only offer exciting new experiences for the area, with education and youth engagement being key themes alongside digital creativity, but also include plans to make the site fully accessible and, subject to planning approval, offer on-site parking.
“We know people are eager to see the building restored to its former glory as it holds fond memories for many people in our community and is a famous site in Richmond.”
See our previous project update by clicking here.
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.
RBPT's proposals also offer the potential to re-locate or accommodate existing Council assets and services such as the town’s library as well as broader community learning facilities.
Elected member for the Richmond division, Cllr Stuart Parsons, said: “The approval of the Trust’s plans by the executive today is a major new step towards securing the future of the former grammar school’s site.
“The benefits will be felt by residents in Richmond and the surrounding area, while also bringing in visitors to experience what the town and the Dales has to offer.”
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