Historic Richmond building seeks planning permission for luxury spa

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 16:18 · Archive

Friary Lodge, a Grade II-listed Georgian building empty for 20 years, could become a £3m luxury spa.

A historic Richmond town centre building empty for around 20 years could be turned into a luxury spa as part of a £3m redevelopment. Developer Benira Ltd is seeking planning permission for the restoration and extension of the Grade II-listed Friary Lodge on Victoria Road. The developer is owned by local businessman Ben Wilkinson.

The proposals would see the dilapidated Georgian building brought back into use, with modern extensions accommodating specialist spa facilities including pools, treatment rooms and changing areas. The scheme would involve around £3m of construction and restoration work, creating employment and providing a new attraction for residents and visitors.

Friary Lodge, which stands alongside Richmond Cricket Ground and Friary Gardens, has deteriorated significantly during two decades of vacancy. Parts of the building are unsafe, with water damage, rotten floor timbers, collapsed ceilings and evidence of vandalism and fires. A structural assessment concluded that significant repairs were needed as soon as practicable to prevent further deterioration.

The applicant argues that transforming the building into a commercially viable spa would provide the investment needed to restore it and maintain it in the future.

How it is being reported

• Historic building empty for 20 years could become luxury spa in £3m transformationRichmond’s Grade II-listed Friary Lodge could become a £3m luxury spa, with planning permission sought to restore the historic building and create jobs.The Press (York) · 11 Oct, 16:00
• Historic building empty for 20 years could become luxury spa in £3m transformationRichmond’s Grade II-listed Friary Lodge could become a £3m luxury spa, with planning permission sought to restore the historic building and create jobs.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 11 Oct, 16:00

In this story: Friary Lodge · Richmond · Benira Ltd · Ben Wilkinson · Richmond Cricket Ground

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