Introduction

What is a Renaissance Market Town?

Rural market towns have reinvented themselves many times, adapting to changes in the local economy and responding to changes in trade and technology. In 2003 Yorkshire Forward gave Skipton the opportunity to respond to the new challenges of the 21 st century when it selected the Town as one of six to be involved in the first year of its Renaissance Market Towns (RMT) programme.

The RMT process provides market towns with a once in a lifetime opportunity to take a step change in their thinking. It enables stakeholders and the community to work together to imaginatively plan a future for their town as a vibrant economic centre, an effective local "capital" and a place where people of all ages can live work & play.

Skipton's Renaissance Vision

"We will maintain and enhance Skipton as a bustling high quality dynamic market town and gateway to and from the Yorkshire Dates: a place which can adapt and grow in response to the future needs of its residents, businesses and visitors while retaining its unique heritage and beauty."
For a complete copy of the vision document see the downloads page.

Skipton's Renaissance Partnership

Skipton Renaissance Partnership is a wide group of key stakeholders in Skipton which includes local business people, local residents, representatives of public and government agencies and Town, District and County Councillors. See the Town Team page for more details.