It’s full steam ahead as Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust appoints a new General Manager.

Chris Brown, until recently Executive Director of The Old Deanery in Ripon, joins the Trust this month, bringing a wealth of business development, event service and hospitality experience to both the management of The Station and wider developments across the Trust. He will oversee current and new projects as the charity enters an exciting new future post-lockdown.

John Harris, Chair of RBPT says, ‘We are very pleased that we have been able to appoint Chris to the key role of General Manager. He is experienced and enthusiastic, and has shown an excellent grasp of the challenges ahead as we all emerge from lockdown. He has many good ideas and I am sure there are exciting times ahead.’

Formed in 2003, Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust’s most notable project to date is the transformation of the Victorian station building in Richmond. The Station is a community enterprise housing exhibition galleries and 3D art store, Café Bar, award-winning artisan food producers, three-screen cinema and meeting rooms. The building is also a hub for community activities and courses, such as photography, singing, crafts and language lessons.

Chris says, "I'm delighted to be joining the Trust, to providing support to the exceptional team already in place at The Station and to helping grow the Trust's presence and investments in the area. With Covid-19 restrictions hopefully being eased over the coming months, I look forward to welcoming friends new and old back to The Station and to assisting our wonderful tenants in re-opening their doors.”

The Station is planning to re-open to the public on 12 April with self-service food and refreshment options from the Cafe Bar during the initial few weeks at the end of current lockdown restrictions and with new outside seating facilities.

All the latest information can be found on The Station’s website (www.thestation.co.uk) or on their social media pages.

For more information on the charity’s projects, visit www.richmondshirebpt.co.uk