Rackhams Reimagined: Skipton’s High Street Revival

14th December 2024

There’s a buzz in Skipton, and it’s not just from the market traders or the café coffee grinders. Rackhams, the once-grand House of Fraser department store that stood as a stalwart of Skipton High Street, is getting a makeover! Yes, the old dame, empty since 2019, is being reimagined into four shiny new retail units.

Gone are the days when you could wander aimlessly through floors of glitzy perfumes and wildly impractical hats. Instead, the space is being carved up into smaller, more versatile units. Think of it as Rackhams getting a modern haircut—sharp, fresh, and ready to mingle with the 21st century.

From Fading Glory to Fabulous Future

For those who’ve missed the looming elegance of Rackhams, fear not! The historic character is being preserved. “Modest alterations” (in planning lingo) will be made to the High Street frontage, repositioning doors to make the place more inviting. Around the back, the flat-roofed extension (let’s face it, not Rackhams’ best feature) is being spruced up, and the car park will transform into a pleasant walkway. Goodbye utilitarian grey, hello Skipton chic!

Councillor Robert Heseltine summed it up with a mix of optimism and realism: “It’s a great start, but the fight against internet shopping is far from over.” Spoken like a true Yorkshireman—pragmatic, hopeful, and probably imagining the future units filled with sturdy local wares.

Why Does This Matter?

If you’re scratching your head, wondering why this is big news, let me spell it out. Empty shops are bad for business, but more importantly, they’re bad for Skipton’s vibe. An empty Rackhams was like the High Street had a missing tooth. Now, with its redevelopment, it’s like Skipton’s smile is being restored—charm, character, and all.

Even the planning documents gush about how this transformation will “restore vitality” and enhance the conservation area. It’s like the building is getting a second life, a phoenix from the ashes of defunct department stores.

What’s Next for Skipton?

While we wait to see which fabulous businesses will move into the new units, let’s dream big. Artisan chocolatiers? A bookstore that doubles as a coffee shop? A boutique where everything costs less than your monthly broadband bill? One can only hope.

And speaking of hope, let’s give a nod to the efforts of Equorium Property Ltd for not only seeing potential in the forgotten corners of Rackhams but also bringing a little sparkle back to Skipton’s beloved High Street.

So, as the scaffolding goes up and the High Street hums with the promise of new beginnings, let’s celebrate Rackhams’ reimagining. Skipton deserves it, and frankly, so do we. Here’s to a brighter, bustling future for the High Street we all love!