After standing empty for 20 years, a historic building in Richmond town centre could be transformed into a luxury spa as part of a £3 million redevelopment.
Grade II-listed Friary Lodge, an 18th-century house on the site of a medieval friary, was added to campaign group Save Britain’s Heritage’s annual Buildings at Risk Register in 2023. Now, developers Benira Ltd are seeking planning permission to restore the building.
The Georgian building would be brought back into use, with accommodation in a modern extension and spa facilities, including treatment rooms and changing areas. The proposed redevelopment is expected to cost £3 million, covering construction and restoration work, and could create a new attraction for the town.
Friary Lodge stands on the site of Richmond’s medieval Franciscan friary, giving readers a sense of its historic significance.
According to planning documents, parts of the building are currently unsafe due to water damage, with rotten floor timbers, collapsed ceilings and evidence of vandalism. A structural assessment concluded that significant repairs are needed to prevent further deterioration.
In a statement accompanying the application, architects Matt Ball Architecture LLP said: “Leaving Friary Lodge as it is does not represent a sustainable conservation strategy”
“The proposal offers an alternative: managed change in return for long-term conservation.”
The plans include restoring the roof, windows, masonry and central entrance, while adding a contemporary extension, landscaping the overgrown gardens and repairing the historic boundary walls.
The proposals would also bring changes to a sensitive historic setting close to Greyfriars Tower and other surviving remains of Richmond’s medieval friary. The plans involve changes to a sensitive historic setting near Greyfriars Tower and surviving friary remains. A heritage assessment submitted with the plans acknowledges that the alterations could harm historic fabric but argues that these impacts are outweighed by the benefits of restoration.
These benefits include the creation of 10 permanent jobs, alongside additional seasonal employment.
The application has been submitted to North Yorkshire Council for consideration, and a decision is yet to be made. The developer argues that bringing Friary Lodge back into commercial use would provide the investment needed to secure its future and prevent further deterioration.
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Feature Image Credit: Submitted with plans
