Ripon’s former Quarry Moor Activity Centre is being demolished this week as part of plans to bring school visits and community activities back to the site.
The dilapidated building was found to be beyond saving in its current form, with demolition scheduled for the week beginning 21st September.
The Alderman Tom F Spence Committee is overseeing the work on behalf of the charity whose sole trustee is Ripon City Council.
An interim hub is planned to follow, providing a base for educational visits and a new volunteer team.
Feedback from schools, families and other users will help the committee decide what permanent facilities would best serve the city in the years ahead.
Councillor Julieann Martin-Long, Chair of the Alderman Tom F Spence Committee, said:
“Quarry Moor has long been a valued community asset, Councillor Duncan and I have many fond memories of visiting the site during our childhood, when the Activity Centre was a thriving and well-used facility.
“While we recognise that the removal of the former building will be a significant change, it also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Quarry Moor. The new hub will provide an opportunity to re-establish school visits, support a programme of community activity and well being services, encourage local volunteers to play an active role in helping to care for and enhance this site."
She added:
“We are keen to ensure that the future development of Quarry Moor reflects the needs and aspirations of the local community. We will therefore continue to listen to residents, community groups and other users of the site, while considering how the facilities are used and what further improvements may be required in the future to serve our community best.
“Ultimately, our ambition is to ensure that Quarry Moor remains a welcoming and accessible place for people of all ages to enjoy. We want future generations of children and adults in Ripon to have the opportunity to make their own lasting memories here, building on the strong connection that we and so many others have with this special place.
“Our sincere thanks go to our twelve-strong committee, the Lower Ure Conservation Trust, 21 Engineer Regiment and the many individuals and organisations who have supported Quarry Moor and share our vision for its future.”
The hub forms part of wider plans to improve fences, gates, signage and information about the site, making it more welcoming for families and visiting groups.
The committee also hopes to bring play opportunities and equipment back to Quarry Moor, continuing the charity’s longstanding commitment to providing a place for Ripon’s children.
Quarry Moor is a Local Nature Reserve recognised for its species-rich limestone grassland, offering opportunities for children to learn about wildlife and conservation.
Partners including the Lower Ure Conservation Trust will help care for its habitats and create opportunities for volunteers to get involved.
The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Andrew Williams, said:
“Quarry Moor holds a special place in the lives of many Ripon families. As sole trustee of the charity, Ripon City Council is committed to supporting the future of this special place.
“I’d like to thank members of the Alderman Tom F Spence Committee for their hard work in progressing these plans, following Full Council and the Chair’s motion to begin the demolition process.
"Removing the old building will immediately improve what has long been an unsightly entrance to Ripon along one of the city’s principal routes.
"There is still more to do, but this is an important first step towards enabling more people to enjoy Quarry Moor.”
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