April 2003:

The Renaissance Process is initiated, with initial funding by Yorkshire Forward.
The Charter of July 2003 states:

“We, the people of Skipton, civic leaders and representatives of businesses, voluntary and community sectors, are jointly committed to the emerging Visions for Skipton and its surrounding rural hinterland. We will demonstrate our continued commitment by working together on a process of physical and symbolic change.”

Note the words -

A noble vision!

Yorkshire Forward stresses the importance of community involvement on their web site, which states that success is virtually dependent upon full public involvement along with the council.

The Skipton Renaissance Vision and Draft Masterplan of John Thompson and Partners shows car parks being developed into mixed usage and emphasising park and ride/walk etc. with removal of most traffic from town centre, and no mention of multi storey car parks.

Because proper community involvement is seen as the most important facet of the whole process, the next step is undertaken:


22nd September 2003:

It is decided that a Renaissance Town Team (RTT) of 12 members be formed, comprising two Craven District Council members, four representatives of local business interests, and six members of the public. John Thompson sends out invitations soliciting volunteers from the public to form the RTT partnership, indicating that the members will elect the team officers at a public meeting the following month.

It’s pretty clear that public participation is still seen as very important, but for how much longer?

20 October 2003

The election of Renaissance Team officers takes place with two member of the public, Peter Rigby and Mark Verity, respectively appointed Chair and Vice Chair.