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Schemes in Harrogate and Ripon receive grants from Mayor's £2.4million High Street Fund

Thursday, 16 April 2026 15:31

Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith.

Four schemes in Harrogate and Ripon have secured funding from the final round of Mayor David Skaith's £2.4 million Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund.

A total of 26 projects across York and North Yorkshire have been awarded grants in the third phase of the programme, announced today (April 16).

The fund was launched to support the long-term regeneration of high streets and improve their resilience.

In Harrogate, the Harrogate Heritage & Community Development Project has received £119,215 for “The Harrogate Story: Explore & Discover”, which will create a town centre hub featuring visitor information, interactive heritage displays and space for community events and exhibitions.

Harrogate International Festivals has been awarded £148,488 for “Harrogate Unlocked”, a programme of outdoor cultural events designed to increase footfall and support the local economy.

Harrogate Fairtrade will receive £149,633 to develop a collaborative ethical shop, including a refill centre, pop-up space and training opportunities for people with learning difficulties and autism.

In Ripon, Ripon BID has secured £86,205 for “Creative Streets: Celebrating Ripon’s Heritage on the High Street”, which will introduce heritage murals, a Hornblower civic sculpture and a new heritage trail aimed at boosting visitor numbers and encouraging people to spend more time in the city centre.

The funding is intended to help revitalise town centres, support local businesses and make high streets more attractive to residents and visitors over the long term.

A spokesperson for York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority said:

"Projects will now move forward to deliver improvements to local high streets, set to revitalise communities across the region and drive economic growth, enhancing their appeal to both residents and visitors."

See the full list of recipients from the Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund here.

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