We are developing a Town Investment Plan for Thirsk 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.
Thirsk is a vibrant market town known for its racecourse, livestock market, rich history and connection to the renowned veterinary author James Herriot. The town boasts a central cobbled square, historic clock tower, and a long-standing market. It is filled with independent shops, places to eat, and businesses, making it a popular destination for visitors.
Our findings
Our approach to community engagement has ensured that the Town Investment Plan reflects the needs of all sectors of the community. A survey was carried out (paper and online versions were available) alongside community engagement drop-in sessions and conversations with key stakeholders.
This feedback has helped us identify Thirsk’s strengths, current challenges and suggest ways the town could be improved.
Key strengths
- a friendly, kind, and caring community
- a strong and recognisable market town identity, focused on the historic Market Place and independent town centre offer
- a rich heritage and cultural offer, including James Herriot, the racecourse, historic buildings, conservation areas and local events and traditions
- 78% of people who responded to the survey think that Thirsk has the facilities and opportunities to help people lead a healthy and active lifestyle
- a strong enterprise base and surrounding employment areas, including industrial and rural business assets
- established community organisations, voluntary activities and local partners with an appetite to collaborate
- valued green and blue infrastructure, including Cod Beck and riverside routes, with opportunities for enhanced biodiversity and wellbeing
- good transport links with the A19, A1M and rail, supporting links to larger centres and visitor destinations
Challenges
- transport and movement challenges, including bus frequency and reliability, lack of evening and Sunday provision, village links, connectivity to the station, poor walking and cycling routes, crossing safety and accessibility barriers
- town centre and public realm issues including a declining weekly market, lack of rest stops, cycle racks and signage, and the condition of some pavements and shop frontages
- economic challenges, including high street footfall pressures and limited training and skills pathways
- community, health and wellbeing needs, including youth provision, anti-social behaviour, cost of living pressures, access to health services and the need for inclusive facilities
- environmental concerns, including biodiversity, active travel infrastructure and the need to support energy efficiency and low-carbon choices
- capacity and coordination issues, including volunteer fatigue, groups working in silos and the need for clearer communication and community ownership
Opportunities for improving Thirsk
- protect and celebrate Thirsk’s market town identity: Safeguard Thirsk’s historic, friendly character while supporting a vibrant independent town centre
- revitalise the town centre economy: Support a balanced mix of retail, services, enterprise, markets, events, and leisure uses
- connect people and places sustainably: Improve everyday movement through safe, inclusive, and low-carbon transport
- grow skills, businesses, and opportunities: Build a skilled and connected local economy that works for young people and businesses
- strengthen community life, services, and wellbeing: Support a healthy, inclusive, and connected community that is engaged in decision-making and local project delivery
- enhance the environment, heritage, and visitor economy: Protect and enhance Cod Beck, The Flatts, green spaces and riverside routes. Invest in biodiversity, sustainable tourism, EV infrastructure, trails, signage and stronger cultural and heritage links between the racecourse, town centre, and market place
Next steps
To make sure each investment plan reflects local priorities, we are inviting residents, business owners and visitors to share their views on their local town and how they think it could be improved.
Read the draft Thirsk Town Investment Plan in full here (pdf / 898 KB).
The Thirsk Town Investment Plan survey is available from 24 November 2026.
The survey will close on 13 January 2027.
Printed copies are available from and should be returned to Thirsk Community Library.
Public engagement event
We will be holding drop-in events for you to learn more about the draft Town Investment Plan:
- Thursday 26 November drop-in session at Rural Arts, 10am to 4pm, Old Courthouse, 4 Westgate, Thirsk YO7 1QS
- Saturday 9 January drop-in session at Thirsk Community Library, 10am to 2pm, Meadowfields, Chapel St, Thirsk YO7 1TH