Land at Claro and Deverell barracks in Ripon is to be re-developed to offer 1,300 new homes and commercial space, Homes England and the Ministry of Defence, MoD, have announced.
Harrogate borough council’s economy and culture director, Trevor Watson, said the authority’s local plan consultation had highlighted more high-quality and affordable housing was needed in the Ripon area.
“It’s encouraging to see the start of this project, between the different stakeholders, start to take shape,” he said.
More new homes needed in North Yorkshrie
Housing minister, Kit Malthouse, said: “We’re pulling every lever to deliver homes where they’re needed across the country, including transforming the site of the old Ripon barracks into more than 1,000 new homes for the people of North Yorkshire.”
MoD defence infrastructure organisation’s estates head, Catherine Davies, said the ministry was committed to investing in a more ‘fit for purpose’ estate that would better serve armed forces needs.
“This brings an exciting opportunity to deliver benefits to the local community on the Ripon Barracks site once it becomes surplus.”
Development Loans – HZA
Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said the development would offer homes in an area where there was high demand so house builders would be well placed to gain competitive construction and property development loans.
The government’s housing accelerator, Homes England, is planning a series of community engagement events later this summer. It has already met with key stakeholders including Ripon city council and Harrogate borough council to discuss a vision for the site.
The MoD announced closure of the barracks in 2013 with proposals to sell them in 2016. The barracks housed 270 married quarters.