Construction has officially started on a £5.8million project to improve visitor facilities at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
Representatives from local government, tourism, community organisations and businesses gathered to mark the start of work on the new Studley Lodge building.
The development forms part of the National Trust’s Studley Revealed project, described as one of the most significant investments ever undertaken at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It aims to improve accessibility, restore key areas of the historic landscape and create a more welcoming arrival experience for visitors.
Sir Julian Smith MP joined representatives from Ripon City Council, Ripon Civic Society, Ripon Disability Forum and North Yorkshire Council at the groundbreaking event.
Staff from the National Trust and representatives from North Yorkshire-based contractor The HACS Group also attended.
Sir Julian Smith said:
“Breaking ground on the Studley Revealed project is a hugely exciting moment for one of North Yorkshire’s most loved places.
“By investing in conservation, accessibility and the visitor experience, the National Trust is helping safeguard this UNESCO World Heritage Site while also strengthening North Yorkshire’s tourism offer.
“It’s also wonderful to see a local firm, The HACS Group, playing such an important role in delivering the project, supporting local jobs and showcasing the expertise we have right here in North Yorkshire.”
Studley Revealed will reconnect areas of the landscape and uncover historic views that have become hidden over time.
The project will also provide better step-free access, accessible toilets, more inclusive routes through Studley Lodge and expanded catering facilities.
New interpretation will give visitors further opportunities to discover the history of Studley Royal, which is regarded as one of Europe’s finest designed landscapes.
Ripon Disability Forum played a role in shaping the plans through consultation and was represented at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Justin Scully, General Manager at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, said:
“Having representatives from across our local community, the tourism sector and our project partners here today makes this a particularly special occasion.
“Studley Royal has been at the heart of this community for generations, and it’s fitting that we come together to celebrate an investment that will benefit local people, visitors and the wider economy for many years to come.
“This is a once-in-a-generation milestone for the World Heritage Site, and we’re excited to see the future of Studley Lodge begin to take shape.”
The HACS Group has been appointed as the principal contractor and will use local expertise and suppliers where possible during construction.
Mark Smith, Managing Director of The HACS Group, said:
“It’s a real privilege to be starting work on a project of this importance.
“We’re proud to bring our local expertise to Studley Revealed, working closely with the National Trust to support the local supply chain and enhance the experience at a destination that means so much to people locally and visitors from around the world.”
The project follows more than eight years of planning, consultation and design development.
Fountains Abbey and the Studley Royal water garden will remain fully open while the work is carried out.
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