Conversion plans for former grammar school

The historic former grammar school had pupils including the world-famous author Lewis Carroll

A former grammar school in the Yorkshire Dales could become a community centre, under plans due to be considered by councillors.

Richmond Grammar School, which was founded in the 14th Century, taught pupils including the author Lewis Carroll but closed in 2011.

The Grade II listed building has been vacant since then, despite previous efforts to bring it back into community use.

A proposal, drawn up by the Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust, would see it become a centre for "cultural activities and digital enterprise".

It would also focus on providing opportunities for young people, allowing them to access activities in their local area.

North Yorkshire Council's executive will discuss a report on 6 May, which sets out plans to transfer the council-owned site to the preservation trust.

'Last chance saloon'

Deputy council leader Gareth Dadd said: "This is an exciting opportunity to bring opportunities and experiences for local communities and visitors to Richmond that would normally only be seen in large towns and cities.

"The proposals do have a strong focus on young people which would allow them to take up a host of new opportunities, bringing digital to the Dales.

"It is a major ambition for us as a council to ensure that we can bring vitality and enterprise to our market towns."

If approved, the preservation trust would launch a fundraising campaign to finance the development.

However, Dadd added they were in the "last chance saloon" because the building would have to be sold if this project did not progress.

The former grammar school site has a current market value of about £370,000.

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