A local partnership in Skipton is delighted after securing funding for a new project from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority to improve the quality and attractiveness of the town centre.

Working in partnership, Heart of Skipton CIC and Skipton BID are pleased to announce details of an upcoming project, deliverable following the attainment of funding from the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund.

The ‘Vibrant Skipton’ project will deliver a programme of renewal and refurbishment activities designed to maintain the North Yorkshire town’s reputation as a high-quality, must visit destination.

The campaign will fund shop-front improvements, with a target of offering repairs and revamps to 20 different shops in the town centre, as well as renewing street furniture and wayfinding signage around Skipton – with local consultation and engagement with businesses set to begin in July this year.

Edwin Rothwell, CIC Manager at Heart of Skipton, said: “I’m very pleased that we have won this investment into Skipton town centre.

“We are looking to address protecting the quality of the conservation area, while improving the accessibility of information.

“Some of the old finger posts are broken and overall detrimental to the visitor experience – and wayfinding in Skipton can be of a much better quality and more inclusive.

“I’m excited about bringing these improvements into Skipton. Visitors are often time-limited – and we want to see them spend more time in businesses, enjoying the town and spending less time asking for directions.”

Sarah Howsen, Skipton BID Manager, said the team are excited to be a partner in this positive project for the town.

Sarah said: “As the BID, we’re delighted to be a part of this project that will no doubt bring further benefit and a refreshing feel into our town centre.

“Improvement of shop fronts, signage and wayfinding will help to encourage exploration while increasing footfall to support our businesses.”

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said that he is pleased to offer support to this campaign in Skipton.

He said: “Our high streets are where our communities come together. That’s why I’m backing creative ideas from the people who know their area best with my High Street Fund.  

“By supporting Heart of Skipton project, we’re helping deliver a shopfront improvement scheme and better signage to enhance the environment for residents and visitors.  

“This is one of 65 projects we’ve supported across York and North Yorkshire helping to transform our high streets into vibrant destinations that residents and visitors will want to return to again and again.” 

Businesses will be invited to apply for shop-front improvements later this year. Those that apply will be required to provide a level of match funding, with works set to begin from January 2027.

The Vibrant Skipton project will be carried out over the next 18 months, with the CIC preparing to host a talk to Skipton Civic Society on asset-based regeneration and Community Wealth Building in early May.