We’re pleased to announce the completion of a significant project in the heart of Skipton: the £3.5 million transformation of the former House of Fraser building.

Led by Senior Project Manager Ryan Tory, the scheme demonstrates how heritage preservation and modern design can work together to create spaces that serve today’s businesses while protecting the character of an important local building.

A Heritage Building, Reimagined

The Grade II Listed property has been carefully redeveloped to deliver four modern, flexible retail units.

Working with a listed structure means every detail matters. The approach throughout the project focused on balancing the building’s historic significance with the requirements of contemporary retail occupiers.

Key priorities included:

• Preserving the architectural character of the original building

• Upgrading the property to meet modern safety and accessibility standards

• Designing the new spaces for energy efficiency and sustainability

• Creating adaptable retail units that can support a range of future occupiers

The result is a building that retains its heritage while being fully prepared for modern commercial use.

Programme & Delivery
Delivering a project of this scale in a listed building requires careful coordination and planning.

Project timeline:

• Start date: Summer 2024

• Programme: 51 weeks

• Completion: Summer 2025

Throughout the programme, the focus remained on precision, communication, and quality delivery. Every stage of the process was managed to ensure the building’s legacy was respected while bringing it up to modern operational standards.

Supporting the Future of the High Street

Projects like this play an important role in the long-term health of town centres.

By repurposing an existing building rather than replacing it, the development:

• Creates new opportunities for local businesses

• Preserves the character and heritage of Skipton town centre

• Contributes to the ongoing revitalisation of the high street

It’s a clear example of how thoughtful refurbishment can breathe new life into established spaces while supporting local economies.

Client Feedback

“Formm delivered a complex project to a high standard. Full credit to the Formm team who dealt with all issues in an upfront and genuine manner. We would work with Formm again in the future.”

Feedback like this reflects the approach that sits behind every Formm project: clear communication, reliable delivery, and attention to detail at every stage.