We are developing a Town Investment Plan for Hawes as part of a regeneration programme across 32 towns in the county. The plans will help guide future funding bids by ensuring they are targeted to local priorities.
This work is supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and receives funding from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Hawes is a small market town, in Upper Wensleydale, famous for its cheese and breathtaking scenery. Alongside a variety of independent retailers and hospitality businesses, it is home to several popular attractions, including the Wensleydale Creamery, the Dales Countryside Museum, and Gayle Mill – a Grade II listed building dating from 1784 that houses the oldest working water turbine in its original location in the United Kingdom.
Our findings
Our approach to community engagement has ensured that the Town Investment Plan reflects the needs of all sectors of the community. In September 2025, a survey was carried out (paper and online versions were available) alongside community engagement drop-in sessions and one-to-one conversations with key stakeholders. 45 surveys were submitted and 40 people attended the drop-in session. On 24 March 2026, we followed up with a second drop-in session to report back our findings and project proposals, with 25 people attending this event.
This feedback has helped us identify Hawes’s strengths, current challenges and suggest ways the town could be improved.
Key strengths
- beautiful countryside, hills, rivers, historic buildings and local heritage
- community resilience
- friendly and welcoming community spirit
- sense of safety and security
- independent shops and businesses valued for their uniqueness and contribution to the town’s character
- local amenities such as the market, pubs, auction mart, shops
- tourism appeal and attractions like the Dales Countryside Museum and Wensleydale Creamery
- the Little White Bus and Little White Car schemes
- links to the Settle Carlisle line, Garsdale Station (Little White Bus) and Ribblehead (Dalesbus)
Challenges
- limited employment opportunities, especially for young people; seasonal and low-paid work dominate the local economy; businesses struggling to recruit due to lack of affordable housing and public transport
- retention of children and young people, lower than average number of young people living in the area; declining numbers on the school roll
- an ageing population with insufficient local care and support services; long distances to travel to health facilities
- town centre business closures and empty shops; high rents and limited support for local businesses; perceived parking issues, especially during peak times
- poor road network; lack of accessible pedestrian routes and connectivity; poor signage
- noise and disruption from motorcycles and caravans; tourism not always benefiting the local community
- poor digital connectivity
- lack of reliable/regular public transport; transport for school-aged children and non-drivers; poor connections to hospitals, colleges, and nearby towns
- high property prices and shortage of affordable housing stock for locals; lack of land available for new, affordable housing and for allotments
Proposed projects for improving Hawes
- re-establish a business forum to help local businesses connect and share good practice
- enterprise hub for local businesses to create spaces for co-working, production and training
- improving wayfinding and signage to help increase town centre footfall
- create a well-signed active travel loop connecting key sites
- exploring a town design code to enhance the heritage and character of the town
- create a programme of heritage and cultural trails building on the existing offer
- grow cultural and creative arts events and initiatives in the town to attract visitors throughout the year
- increase the number and range of activities for children and families
- support businesses to access opportunities to develop apprenticeships
- create a youth space programme to provide opportunities for social connection, skill-building and volunteering
- undertake feasibility work as a prerequisite to demonstrate evidence of need in relation to traffic and parking
- installation of outdoor gym/green trim trail to enhance people’s health and wellbeing
Next steps
On Monday, 5 October 2026, we will be asking for feedback on the draft Town Investment Plan.
You can also learn more about the draft Town Investment Plan at our community drop-in event.
- Monday, 5 October 2026, midday to 4pm at the Market House, Hawes
As well as launching the draft Town Investment Plan, there will be an opportunity to find out more about a Housing Needs Survey from our Rural Housing Enabler Team, details about the newly established Hawes Business Association, and information from other stakeholders including the Upper Dales Community Partnership, Upper Wensleydale Sports and Recreation Association, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, and Hawes and High Abbotside Parish Council.