A Major Resource for the Community initiated by Ripon Council for Voluntary Service
Ripon urgently needed a Community House to provide a central base for local organisations. Ripon Council for Voluntary Service found a suitable building and undertook the exciting challenge of raising £1.3 million to realise this vision.
The History of the Building
It seemed fitting that the building identified as the most suitable for Community House was formerly the hospital wing of the old workhouse. Since the 1960s the building had been used for storage only and became of poor internal repair, though still structurally sound. As it was part of an historic site the façade had to remain substantially unaltered and many of the internal features were retained.
Funds of £1.3 million were required to transform the building. The facilities were to include:
· A centralised reception and administration for the whole building providing switchboard and welcoming services
· One-stop information and office facilities including internet, photocopying and secretarial support
· Office space at low rents for voluntary organisations
· Training/Meeting/Conference/Counselling rooms equipped with the usual training facilities
· A dedicated Children's Wing with a play area, a fenced off garden area and purpose built toilets
· A Community Café with a fully equipped professional catering standard kitchen offering meaningful work placements for people with disabilities
Fundraising commenced in 2001 and Ripon CVS purchased the building from North Yorkshire County Council. Grant aid, trust funding, sponsorship, donations and a concerted effort staging fundraising events amassed sufficient funds to undertake Phase 1 of the Project, which included all the internal wiring and plumbing and bringing the ground floor into use.
6 April 2005
The Chairman of Ripon CVS, His Worship the Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Stuart Martin presided over a reception to mark the launch of the Phase 1 building works on Community House.
9 January 2006
The ground floor was completed, so Age Concern North Yorkshire (Ripon Branch), Harrogate & Ripon Alzheimer's Society and the Borrowers' Toy Library moved in.
4 April 2006
Sufficient funding allowed Phase 2 of the building works to be completed and Ripon CVS moved into their offices on the upper floor.
28 April 2006
An Open Day was held so everyone had the opportunity to see the facilities on offer.
2 October 2006
North Yorkshire County Council Adult Learning Service and Carers' Resource rented office space and the Ducklings Playgroup used the Children's Wing in the mornings.
29 January 2007
The Community Café opened its doors to the public from Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4.00pm offering light snacks, a 'Meal of the Day', drinks and cakes all at reasonable prices.