What is the plan for the Rackhams building in Skipton?

Proposals for the former Rackhams House of Fraser department store on High Street, Skipton- which has been empty since 2019 -  will see the grade two buildings refurbished and divided into four independent retail units.

Cosmetic changes will be made to the High Street facade, including the replacement of shop front windows and doors, and historic partitions inside will be preserved and retained. A new lift and staircases will be built inside.

The 1970s concrete-framed building at the back will be kept, re-clad in stone and a new pitched roof with gable ends will replace the current flat roof to 'better reflect the character of the area'.

The back entrance to the former store (Image: Lesley Tate)

The car park, which, in 2021, was subject to proposals by Skipton Civic Society to be made into a town square, will have a new layout to improve its overall appearance.

DLG Architects, for Equorium Property Ltd,  says the plan is to 'reuse, refurbish and subdivide' the former department store building.

It says it has already met with representatives from North Yorkshire Council and Skipton Business Improvement District (BID) to show the current condition of the building and 'challenges associated with its refurbishment' and that the proposals were 'generally supported'.

"The proposal responds to the size of the building and lack of serious viable interest since the House of Fraser operations ceased in 2019," the planning application to North Yorkshire Council states.

The architects say plans consider the area and 'utilises the existing building' so it fits in with the area.

The back of the store will be improved (Image: Lesley Tate)

"The proposed development will provide protection for the building and site as a listed building and in a conservation area," it says. 

"A significant part of the project includes essential repairs which will bring the building back into good condition and ensure its longevity as a community asset for the years to come."

Plans for the rear of the store are aimed at capturing footfall by improving its appearance.

How the back of the store currently looks (Image: Lesley Tate)

Submissions to the council state the rear was not designed as a primary entrance to the store and over the years has suffered from lack of maintenance.

As part of the proposals, existing gas-powered boilers will be replaced with electric ones, and the old mechanical plant will be removed and replaced with modern, high-efficiency ventilation and heating. 

Air source heat pumps will provide heating and cooling to retail areas and all existing lighting will be replaced by high-efficiency LED lighting.