A new project, designed to energise Skipton high street and enhance public spaces, is now well underway in the town centre.
Following a successful application to the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund from the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, Skipton BID and The Artery are both excited to work alongside local partners to deliver the ‘Buzzing Skipton’ project.
The campaign aims to improve both the appearance and environment of five overlooked - but significant - areas of the town centre. It’s hoped that each element of the project will drive footfall into Skipton, while boosting local pride and ensuring the town remains a thriving destination in the future.
Sarah Howsen, Skipton BID Manager, said:
“We’re delighted to announce that the ‘Buzzing Skipton’ project is now well underway.
“Thanks to support from the North Yorkshire Mayor’s funding stream, we can work on our mission to develop Skipton’s vibrancy, inclusivity and sustainability.
“We’re very pleased to work alongside key local partners including The Artery, Skipton in Bloom, Craven College, Craven Arts House and other community groups in the roll-out of this programme.
“The dynamic campaign will help to breathe a new lease of life into the town centre – already evidenced by the stunning new installation in the bus station planter and the wonderful workshops hosted by specialist organisations based in our town.”
The project has now officially launched following the work from the volunteers at Stepping Stone to transform a key planter near Skipton Bus Station into a pollinator-friendly haven. The new native wildflowers and plants will create a colourful display for years to come.
Local experts have recently hosted workshops on photography, short films, social media, digital marketing and other important resources to support Skipton’s business community with any topics or issues they may have encountered.
These free workshops have been very well received from a range of organisations in the town covering different business sectors, with the hope of booking further sessions in the near future.
An upcoming session will feature a guided photography and plant identification tour of the Canal Boat Planters and leading into Skipton Woods. This will encourage young people and local creatives to work on new skills while exploring the town’s hidden gems. To join this workshop, please click here.
Further workshops to be held as a part of the ‘Buzzing Skipton’ project include engaging with poetry and storytelling in the town’s new Ampitheatre area, Halloween-themed wildflower and seed bombing family fun and interactive sculpture creative sessions to improve the town’s green spaces.
Details on the plans for the project can also be found on the Skipton BID website and on the organisation’s social media platforms, where regular updates will be posted.
Local people and business representatives can also book onto any upcoming workshops and sessions by visiting the Skipton BID website.

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