ONE of Skipton’s most historic buildings is to turn a chapter as building work starts at Benjamins Optician.

A new two-story extension is being constructed on the side of 23 Newmarket Street, giving the business “bags more room.”

The practice will remain open during the works with minimal disruption.

Once completed the rest of the practice will get a full make over, said director Liz Ellis.

“We’re bursting at the seams - we’ve doubled our staff in the last three years. We initially discussed moving to new premises and even considered moving out of town,” she said.

The new look business will have three custom designed rooms, three testing rooms, a contact lens room and offer patients a very different experience.

And specialist equipment, like the electronic optical measuring system, will have separate rooms.

“Together with my former business partners, Philip and David Benjamin, we’ve struck a deal which means Benjamins can stay in the iconic Newmarket Street premises which has been home for over 18 years, “ said Liz. The brothers are sharing ownership of the building with Liz.

The business which has been in Skipton 60 years, the last 18 in the present building, has been run until recently by David and Philip. It was founded by their father Clifford.

Liz has been with Benjamins for over 20 years and took over running the business three years ago.

The building has been home to a soldier, a dentist and a milkman.

Originally a farm building – the cellar is the one part which remains original - its early stone windows are still visible.

The Georgian double front was added later, reportedly using salvaged stone from when the Leeds and Liverpool.

Early records show the property occupied by Sargeant Major McGrath and his family, who on return from Ceylon after active service, took up residence in 1881.

Most notably the building was owned by Katherine Farey and Megan Fluck who ran a bookshop.

Miss Farey’s grandfather established The Mutual Ethos of Skipton Building Society. She was former Mayor of Skipton, founded the Ilkley School of Motoring in 1947. Later she and Miss Fluck set up Craven Books.