Jerry Croft in Skipton will be closed to vehicles from August 10 to August 21 for essential electricity works to take place at Skipton Town Hall. 

The works are part of the £4.5m building redevelopment and were postponed from April due to Covid-19.

Pedestrian access from the High Street through Jerry Croft will remain open throughout the works and all neighbouring businesses have been contacted to ensure deliveries are possible through the High Street car park, which will still be open via Bunkers Hill.

Danielle Daglan, Cultural Services Manager at Craven District Council, said: “We do apologise for any inconvenience caused by this closure – it is to enable Northern Power to carry out essential works for an upgraded electrical supply into the building as part of the redevelopment.

“We have spoken to all neighbouring businesses regarding the closure in order to resolve any issues they may have and we have assured them any disruption will be kept to a minimum.”

Craven District Council and contractors Bermar are continuing the development project with a reduced workforce to ensure safe working, in line with construction site guidance from the Government.

The completion of the project was due in winter 2020 although this is now unlikely due to the Covid-19 crisis.

When completed, the £4.5 million project will deliver a restored and upgraded Concert Hall, a completely redesigned Craven Museum, and a new gallery space.

A new extension at the back of the Town Hall will house a dedicated education space, museum store and research facility, plus flexible use dressing rooms and toilets, including an accessible Changing Place Toilet. Two accessible lifts are being installed to the front of the new museum and within the rear extension.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund gave a grant of £1.5 million to Craven District Council, which is part-funding the ambitious redevelopment plans.

The project is also being funded with £943,800 of match-funding and capital funding of £532,390 from Craven District Council. The remaining £1.6m is being underwritten by Craven District Council with funding applications pending.