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Skipton BID rejects claims town is struggling

Thursday, 24 September 2026 12:11

The study comes amid concerns over the market's decline and will explore opportunities to improve its future.

Skipton BID has rejected suggestions that the town 'as a whole' is struggling while backing calls for investment to improve Skipton Market.

The comments follow a decision by Skipton Town Council to spend £4,000 on a feasibility study looking at ways to regenerate the historic market.

The study comes amid concerns over the market's decline and will explore opportunities to improve its future.

Skipton BID said it “fully supports” the Town Council in investigating ways to improve the market, acknowledging that it needs investment to make it more attractive to residents and visitors.

However, the organisation has pushed back against suggestions that problems with the market reflect the health of Skipton town centre as a whole.

A Skipton BID spokesperson said:

“The market is struggling and does need further investment to make it more appealing to residents and visitors, as it was in the past.

“However, we fully disagree with the comments that the town as a whole is struggling.”

The BID said Skipton recorded total footfall of 15 million over the past year, with 73% of those counted visiting the town rather than simply passing through.

It also pointed to more than 10 new businesses opening in Skipton so far in 2026 across the retail and hospitality sectors.

Further openings are expected in the coming weeks, including fashion retailer White Stuff on the High Street.

The spokesperson added:

“We understand that there are a small number of empty units at the bottom of the High Street, but these are former banks which has become a national issue and does not reflect the full situation around our town centre.

“We're proud to say that our town's vacancy rate is almost a third of the national average and we continue to work hard to ensure Skipton remains a vibrant destination for businesses and visitors.”

Skipton Town Council's £4,000 study will now examine options for the future regeneration of the market.

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