RITA Plans A Buzzing Future

Wednesday 01 August

Your starter for 10 - 'What's the Market Square for?'

Come, come on! I need an answer! Did you say parking? Wrong!

The clue is in the question - the Market Square is for markets. Obvious, really. That's why the Independents Day Expo organised by Ripon Independent Traders Association (RITA) on 7th July used the Square. Its members found that by showing and selling quality goods and products the Square really comes alive.

Old pictures of Ripon show the Market Square buzzing with activity - stalls, showmen, even cattle sales all took place there. Nicholas Hawksmoor, the architect who laid out the square and designed the obelisk in 1702, wanted the space to be like a Roman forum - where townspeople meet to discuss the hot topics of the day and traders buy and sell their wares. Today the Square is a precious asset - one of the most exciting open spaces in any Yorkshire city. RITA, like Ripon City Partnership and other groups, is encouraging the use of the Square by staging events like the successful Expo and Discover Ripon Day.

The 30 stalls erected for the July 7 Expo took up the south end of the Market Place. Locals and tourists alike were very inspired by the day and excited at the wide array of products and services available within Ripon and its surrounding area. It was really great to see the independent businesses working together promoting a strong community feel.

There was still the usual parking available on the north end. The issue of parking is constantly at the forefront of the minds of RITA members – which is why they started the parking initiative back in May. This so far has proven to be a great success with shoppers benefiting the free parking; even the national chains are joining it, with Marks and Spencer’s being the latest edition to the scheme. Every effort will be made to provide additional or alternative parking whenever RITA events are held on the square.

RITA brings together some of Ripon's most go-ahead businesses. With more and more small, independent businesses starting in the city - not just shops but service industries, too - Ripon is becoming known for the range and quality of what it has to offer.

To encourage locals and visitors to come into Ripon to shop in its shops and eat in its restaurants, RITA is planning more events, including another Expo in the Market Square on Saturday, 25th August. Once again there will be stands that showcase what the city has to offer, as well as fun for children. The Great North Art Show will be on in the Cathedral as well as various other locations around the city at the same time, and the whole day promises to be a great success, with a relaxed and happy atmosphere.

Look out over the coming months for more initiatives from RITA as we move into autumn and then Christmas. There will be events and promotions to keep Ripon's trade in the public eye and make sure that the city continues to be vibrant as the new development to the west of the Market Square gets into full swing.

RITA is supported by The Ripon Area Business Association and the members include:

12sj; Blackburn & Swallow; Bondgate Green Post Office; Brandazzi; Bronco Internet; Cathedral Financial Planning; David Winpenny Public Relations; Deli on Duck Hill; Dinky 2 Dudes; Fountains Health Store; Hornseys - the gallery; Hilton Rose; JennyRuth Workshops; The Knowledge Magnet; Langtons; Let's-Move.net; Lockwoods; March Hare; The Old Deanery; Perk Up; Philip Hall; Simon Crosfield & Co; Soles; Storm in a Teacup, Stuff4offices; Tranquil Waters and Westgate Frames.

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