Vision for Richmond

We are developing a Town Investment Plan for Richmond as part of a regeneration programme across 32 towns in the county. The plans will help guide future funding bids by making sure 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.

Richmond is a historic market town of remarkable heritage, natural beauty and civic pride, known for its Georgian architecture, Norman castle and closeness to the Yorkshire Dales.

Our findings

We’ve carried out a wide variety of engagement including;  

• themed workshops with stakeholders
• drop-in events for residents and business owners
• targeted sessions with young people
• town centre and trading estate walk arounds
• an online survey

This feedback has helped us identify Richmond's strengths, current challenges and suggest ways the town could be improved.  

Key strengths

• a wide range of arts, live music, sport and cultural activities
• strong heritage with more than 340 listed buildings
• historical buildings such as the Norman castle, the Market Place, Georgian Theatre and The Old Grammar School
• incredible natural beauty including the iconic Richmond Falls and River Swale
• active voluntary and community groups
• a diverse mix of independent businesses, hospitality venues, artisan producers and professional services

Challenges

• an ageing population meaning a smaller workforce and increased pressure on services
• attracting and retaining young people
• limited high-wage, high-skill job opportunities
• limited public transport options and access to key services
• poor Wi-Fi connectivity
• inconsistent river water quality
• limited climate change resilience
• historic street layout creating constraints for new housing opportunities, accessibility improvements and upgrades to infrastructure 

Suggested improvements

• identifying ways to improve time spent in the market place
• developing ways to make streets more accessible
• a series of new walking trails which link key employment sites and visitor destinations
• parking improvements to encourage longer visits
• looking at opportunities for retrofit, improved efficiency, heat networks and energy generation
• exploring improvements to the industrial estate, this could include looking at branding, signage, public transport connections, parking and networking opportunities
• events and marketing to promote Richmond’s existing offer
• expanding Richmond’s bike park
• looking at shop fronts, refreshed design guide, bunting and street furniture to increase town centre vibrancy
• redeveloping the former grammar school to bring it back into community use
• creating pop-up coworking and small office workspace to encourage business start ups
• developing a year-round plan of cultural events starting with a Richmond Festival and Town Show
• remodelling the current methodist church premises to provide a modern, multi-use space for the community

 Read the draft Town Investment Plan in full here (pdf / 1 MB)

Next steps  

We now want your feedback on the draft Town Investment Plan. Please complete this short survey. Closes Monday 29 June.

Take part in the draft plan for Richmond survey