A MULTI-MILLION pound investment to revive the economic fortunes of Ripon was confirmed yesterday.

Community leaders in the city were given the go-ahead to begin a series of projects designed to counter the loss of its university campus.

The regeneration campaign got under way after the Government's regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward, announced a £2.86m grant for the city.

Partnership bosses say the first projects to benefit from the major funding boost are likely to begin in March.

The organisation's Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) plan includes several measures to ensure that the existing campus of the College of Ripon and York St John continues to make a positive contribution to the city's economy.

College governors sparked outrage at the end of 1999 when they announced a decision to centre all undergraduate courses on the York campus.

The proposals meant Ripon would lose the spending power of more than 800 students and signalled the end of about 140 years of higher education in the city.

Now, the city partnership has identified two buildings on the college site - the old and new lecture blocks - as possible locations for a managed workspace complex and a Lifelong Learning Centre.

The properties are currently on the market as the college attempts to dispose of its Ripon estate. The closing date for offers is Wednesday.

But college governors have been asked to remove both properties from sale to allow time for business plans and feasibility studies to be completed.

Leader of Harrogate Borough Council, Geoff Webber, said Yorkshire Forward's cash boost would bring renewed confidence to the city.

"Yorkshire Forward's decision is obviously a huge boost for Ripon. We are now looking to the college governors to display a similar commitment to the future of the city," he said.

"In particular, we expect them to accede to our request for time to develop these exciting proposals.