THIS weekend will mark the end of the four-year Government supported project aimed at rejuvenating the centre of Skipton.

The Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) project announced in 2020 with an initial £1.2million from Historic England, set out to breathe new life into the market town, which was just one of several across the country chosen to receive funding.

The initial funding led the way to more money being allocated to the town, including from the National Lottery and the Arts Council. Stand out projects have been the transformation of Skipton Town Hall, which has received a makeover, both inside and out, and is now a cultural and performance centre for Craven; and also the creation of the Craven Arts Hub, at the former Victorian school in Otley Street.

There has also been improvements to ginnels off High Street, and the murals - probably the only part of the project which has divided opinion. Bright and cheerful they may be, but it will be interesting to see what they look like in a couple of year's time from now.

A celebration of the HAZ project will take place this weekend at Skipton Town Hall with workshops, an exhibition of work and live music from some of talented musicians from Craven. The event promises to be a great celebration and will showcase part of what it is that makes Skipton one of the best places to live in the country.