New chapter for Quarry Moor as former Activity Centre makes way for future hub

A new chapter is beginning at Quarry Moor, with the demolition of its former Activity Centre WC 21^st September marking the first step towards restoring opportunities for Ripon’s local nature reserve.

The Alderman Tom F Spence Committee, acting on behalf of the charity whose sole trustee is Ripon City Council, is overseeing the removal of the now dilapidated building, after it was found that it could not be saved in its current form.

Providing a place for the children of Ripon is central to the charity’s purpose. The Activity Centre holds fond memories for many local residents, having provided a base for activities and time spent outdoors. The plans aim to revive that role for a new generation.

The intention is to follow demolition with a new interim hub, allowing school and other educational visits to resume and providing a base from which to recruit and support a volunteer team. Its use will help establish demand, gather feedback from schools and families, and build the evidence needed to decide what permanent facilities and arrangement will best suit Ripon for the next half-century.

Councillor Julieann Martin-Long, Chair of the Alderman Tom F Spence Committee, said:

“Quarry Moor has long been a valued community asset, Councillor Duncan and I have many fond memories of visiting the site during our childhood, when the Activity Centre was a thriving and well-used facility.

“While we recognise that the removal of the former building will be a significant change, it also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Quarry Moor. The new hub will provide an opportunity to re-establish school visits, support a programme of community activity and well being services , encourage local volunteers to play an active role in helping to care for and enhance this site.

“We are keen to ensure that the future development of Quarry Moor reflects the needs and aspirations of the local community. We will therefore continue to listen to residents, community groups and other users of the site, while considering how the facilities are used and what further improvements may be required in the future to serve our community best.

“Ultimately, our ambition is to ensure that Quarry Moor remains a welcoming and accessible place for people of all ages to enjoy. We want future generations of children and adults in Ripon to have the opportunity to make their own lasting memories here, building on the strong connection that we and so many others have with this special place.

Our sincere thanks go to our twelve-strong committee, the Lower Ure Conservation Trust, 21 Engineer Regiment and the many individuals and organisations who have supported Quarry Moor and share our vision for its future.’’

The hub forms part of a wider programme of renewal, including plans to improve fences, gates, signage and interpretation. These improvements will help make Quarry Moor more welcoming for families and visiting groups, while encouraging children to explore and learn about the site.

Looking further ahead, the Committee also hopes to bring play opportunities and play equipment back to Quarry Moor, continuing the charity’s longstanding commitment to Ripon’s children.

Alongside its role as a place for children and families, Quarry Moor is a Local Nature Reserve and includes two Sites of Special Scientific Interest, recognised for its species-rich limestone grassland. This natural setting offers valuable opportunities for outdoor learning, helping children discover the wildlife around them and understand how to care for it.

Working with partners including the Lower Ure Conservation Trust (LUCT) will support the care of these important habitats, promote the site’s biodiversity and create opportunities for volunteers to get involved. The aim is to bring renewed activity to Quarry Moor while looking after the natural features that make it such a special place to visit.

The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Andrew Williams, said:

“Quarry Moor holds a special place in the lives of many Ripon families. As sole trustee of the charity, Ripon City Council is committed to supporting the future of this special place.

“I’d like to thank members of the Alderman Tom F Spence Committee for their hard work in progressing these plans, following Full Council and the Chair’s motion to begin the demolition process. Removing the old building will immediately improve what has long been an unsightly entrance to Ripon along one of the city’s principal routes. There is still more to do, but this is an important first step towards enabling more people to enjoy Quarry Moor.”

Picture of the Committee Chair, Councillor Julieann Martin-Long (centre), Councillor Tony Duncan (right), and the Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Andrew Williams (left).

AI impression of what could replace the demolished hut.

The cleared site.

• Quarry Moor was given to the people of Ripon in 1945 by Alderman Thomas Fowler Spence. The land is held by the charity, with Ripon City Council as sole trustee, and providing a place for Ripon’s children remains central to its purpose.
• Ripon City Council is the sole trustee of the Alderman Thomas Spence Charity. The Alderman Tom F Spence Committee oversees its work, with providing a place for the children of Ripon central to the charity’s purpose.
• Quarry Moor is a Local Nature Reserve and includes two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), recognised for its species-rich limestone grassland, and is world famous for Thistle Broom Rape, a plant rarer in number than first folios of Shakespere’s works.
• The proposed interim hub will support educational visits and volunteering, while helping establish demand and inform decisions about permanent facilities. The final form of any permanent replacement has not yet been determined.
• Lower Ure Conservation Trust (LUCT) is a conservation charity working locally to protect and enhance wildlife habitats.

For further information please contact:

Mark Williamson, Deputy Chief Officer
Telephone: 01765 604097
Email: Mark.Williamson@riponcity.gov.uk