Construction has officially begun on Studley Lodge, a landmark £5.8 million investment in the future of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, marking the start of one of the most significant projects ever undertaken at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Representatives from local government, tourism, community organisations and business joined the National Trust today to celebrate this major milestone, which will transform visitor facilities, improve accessibility and reveal more of the historic landscape at Studley Royal.
Guests attending the event included Sir Julian Smith MP, representatives from Ripon City Council, Ripon Civic Society, Ripon Disability Forum and North Yorkshire Council, alongside National Trust staff and project partners. The celebrations also welcomed representatives from The HACS Group, the North Yorkshire-based contractor appointed to deliver the construction phase of the project.
Sir Julian Smith MP for Skipton and Ripon said…
“Breaking ground on the Studley Revealed project is a hugely exciting moment for one of North Yorkshire's most loved places. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal has welcomed visitors for generations, and this project is about ensuring it continues to do so for generations to come.
By investing in conservation, accessibility and the visitor’s experience, the National Trust is helping safeguard this UNESCO World Heritage Site while also strengthening North Yorkshire's tourism offer. With visitors travelling from across the UK and around the world to experience the beauty of this landscape, this project will help keep Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal firmly on the map as one of Yorkshire's must-see destinations.
It's also wonderful to see a local firm, The HACS Group, playing such an important role in delivering the project, supporting local jobs and showcasing the expertise we have right here in North Yorkshire.”
Studley Revealed represents a once-in-a-generation investment in the future of the World Heritage Site. The project will restore and reconnect key areas of the landscape, reveal historic views that have become hidden over time and create a more welcoming and accessible arrival experience for visitors. The construction phase has been designed to minimise disruption, with the abbey and water garden remaining fully open throughout the works. Visitors can continue to explore the World Heritage Site and enjoy its stunning landscape while construction progresses.
Justin Scully, General Manager, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal said…
“Having representatives from across our local community, the tourism sector and our project partners here today makes this a particularly special occasion. Studley Royal has been at the heart of this community for generations, and it’s fitting that we come together to celebrate an investment that will benefit local people, visitors and the wider economy for many years to come.
This is a once in a generation milestone for the World Heritage Site, and we’re excited to see the future of Studley Lodge begin to take shape.”
Alongside landscape conservation, the investment will deliver enhanced visitor facilities, creating a more welcoming and accessible experience for all. Improvements will include better step-free access, accessible toilets and a more inclusive routes through the Studley Lodge alongside expanded catering provision and new opportunities to discover the stories that make Studley Royal one of the finest designed landscapes in Europe. Representatives from Ripon Disability Forum, who played a key role in shaping the project through consultation, were among those attending the groundbreaking event.
As Principal Contractors, The HACS Group were also represented at the celebration. The HACS Group will play a key role in bringing this landmark investment to life, bringing in local expertise alongside a shared commitment to sustainability and helping to support the local economy.
Mark Smith, Managing Director, The HACS Group said…
“It’s a real privilege to be starting work on a project of this importance. We’re proud to bring our local expertise to Studley Revealed, working closely with the National Trust to support the local supply chain and enhance the experience at a destination that means so much to people locally and visitors from around the world — a true jewel in Yorkshire’s crown.”
Studley Revealed is the culmination of more than eight years of planning, consultation and design development. Once complete, it will provide facilities better suited to the needs of modern visitors while safeguarding the outstanding universal value of the World Heritage Site for future generations.
