AN historic school site that will become vacant this summer could be turned into office space for the district council and local community groups.

The future of the Richmond Lower School building has been a source of speculation since it was announced that it would close after the multi-million pound redevelopment of the upper school site.

Now plans are being discussed that could see Richmondshire District Council take over the site from North Yorkshire County Council and turn parts of the building into office accommodation for its staff.

Other parts of the building could be opened up to community and voluntary organisations in the town for office and meeting space, including the Grand Hall, which would be available for hire.

The district council has been looking to move out of its current offices, in Swale House, for many years as the listed building is unsuitable for the number of people who work there.

Richmondshire District Council leader John Blackie said the scheme would be a "win-win" situation for both councils and community groups.

He said: "New fit-for-purpose office accommodation for our council officers is long, long overdue and a number of community groups in Richmond are seeking to re-locate to a new base, with meeting rooms and function facilities on hand.

"All these organisations will benefit from working closely with each other and the council on the same site.

"After loyally serving the community for hundreds of years, it is appropriate that the fine Old School should continue in public ownership, albeit with a fresh direction and a new lease of life."

No-one from North Yorkshire County Council was available for comment about the plans but officers are thought to be positive about the scheme.

The possibility of the district council moving into the Lower School was first mooted last year after fears that the building could be sold for housing.

In 2004 the district council made plans to relocate its offices to Colburn in a £5m project.

The scheme was shelved three years later after campaigners blocked planning permission for the redevelopment of Richmond’s Yorke Square car park, which councillors had hoped to sell off to pay for the relocation.