An unused stone barn in Richmond could be given a new lease of life as an eco-friendly community café — with the public being urged to help shape the project.
Just the Job Environmental Enterprise Ltd is working with the teams behind Rufus Woods community woodland and the soon-to-open Richmond Bike Park to explore the possibility of transforming the building next to the Whashton Road car park.
The barn sits at the eastern end of the former racecourse, on the route towards Rufus Woods and the new bike park.
Those behind the proposal say the café could provide refreshments for walkers, cyclists and other people using the area’s outdoor facilities, while bringing an unused building back into community use.
However, the proposals remain at an early stage and the project team wants residents and visitors to help form the plans before a planning application is prepared.
A survey has been launched asking what people think of the idea and what they would like to see provided at the site.
Councillor Stuart Parsons, North Yorkshire councillor for Richmond, has backed the proposal.
He said: “The perfect idea for the perfect space — it will provide much needed refreshments to a hugely popular area of town.”
A spokesperson for the project said the aim was to involve the community from the outset.
They added: “We want to know what people think of this idea, but, more importantly, we want the community to tell us what they would like to see there and what would make it work for them.
“The survey will be open throughout September, but we’d love to get as many responses as possible over the next two weeks.
“That will give us an early picture of what local people want and allow us to use the community’s feedback to help shape our planning application.”
The team is particularly interested in hearing from people who use Richmond Racecourse, Whashton Road, Rufus Woods, Richmond Bike Park and the surrounding countryside.
Residents who would like to see the currently unused barn brought back into use are also being encouraged to respond.
The survey takes around five minutes to complete and will remain open throughout September.
The project team is asking people to complete and share it over the next fortnight so initial feedback can be considered as the proposals are developed.
To take part in the survey, visit https://bit.ly/communitycafesurvey
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