Bedale Projects

Below are some of the projects underway or completed in Bedale:

• Bedale Heritage Partnership Scheme - bringing empty spaces above and behind shops back into productive commercial use, and enhancing the appearance of retail properties in a conservation area.  Project contributions from English Heritage have supported a range of heritage repairs. Click here to read our mini case study.

• Bedale Hall extension – a sensitive extension to this Grade I listed building has replaced an ugly garage with quality office space, which has now been let to Sure Start, a government initiative which provides early years childcare, health and family support, with an emphasis on outreach and community development. To find out more visit www.bedalehall.org.uk

• 17 Market Place – a major refurbishment of a semi-derelict listed building in the marketplace to provide high-quality office space for Business Support and Development Ltd, the local business support service. It enables the Bedale training Group, Connexions, Learn Direct and the Community Education Service to provide an integrated, learning and skills facility in the heart of the town.  Click here to read our mini case study.

• Bedale Station - refurbishment of Bedale Station, which still serves the Wensleydale Railway. The creation of 10 workshops in the former engine sheds. All units are let.  Click here to read our mini case study.

• Economic infrastructure improvements - There has been support for a range of initiatives to improve ginnels and lanes, particularly those providing access to the Market Place. These include the ginnel alongside Fleece Cottages, and this particular improvement is frequently commented upon by local and visitors as a significant improvement. There have been other initiatives to enhance the heritage of the town.

• Bedale Beckside improvements – new turf and replanting along the riverside making the area much more attractive. 

• Bedale Assembly Rooms – conversion of the Assembly Rooms into office space over two floors. Many of the original features have been retained and the conversion, which has included the division of the space into 2 floors has been dealt with in a sensitive manner. The blind windows on the outside of the Assembly Rooms are fitted with decorative panels. 

• Rural Target Fund - small scale public realm projects delivered by North Yorkshire County Council, funded by Yorkshire Forward’s RMT programme.

- Assembly Rooms ginnel - between 29 and 31 Market Place, this ginnel had poor surfacing and minimal lighting, meaning that the environment was uninviting to the general public. Furthermore, the poor lighting contributed to the alley being used as a place for groups to congregate and drink alcohol, and as such was often littered with broken bottles; it had also been connected with drug usage. The project has made the alley more inviting and safe to use.

- Signage - A range of improvements to the signage in and around Bedale were made, with entrance signs, finger posts and signs for a town trail being placed around the town. The project consulted with NYCC highways to determine where appropriate brown signage could be placed.

- Art trail - public art has been placed in the blind windows of the Assembly Rooms. The panels were designed by local students with the help of local artists and feature scenes relating to Bedale's history. 

Watch our film about Bedale Station to find out more about this project
 

Contact at Yorkshire Forward:

Jacquie Boulton
Rural Renaissance Manager – Rural Capitals
Yorkshire Forward
Spitfire House
Aviator Court
Clifton Moor
York
YO30 4GY
Tel 01904 696 711
Email:jacquie.boulton@yorkshire-forward.com