Blueprint aimed at revitalising Northallerton following job losses

Last year the Government announced its closure plans for HMP Northallerton. The news came after workers at the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) in Northallerton were told the department was being relocated away from the town as part of Government cost-cutting moves.

Since then efforts have been under way to try to limit the impact of the public sector job losses on the local economy and encourage businesses and developers to invest in the area.

Now a draft blueprint, showing possible options for the redevelopment of the prison and rural payments agency offices, has been unveiled. It proposes new homes, shops, a mid-size food store and leisure facilities could be built in the centre of Northallerton.

Coun Brian Philips, Hambleton District Council’s portfolio holder for housing and planning, said: “The plans seek to make the most of the opportunity that has been presented by the closure of these two services – and they are designed to complement the High Street and support its viability and vitality.

“There is considerable potential to provide services that the town, and district, would benefit from in the long term. The sites’ proximity to the High Street means we could provide retailing and housing for our active retired residents. We are also exploring education needs that could save younger people having to travel out of the district to continue their studies.

“Alongside this there are proposals for a mix of leisure and retail provision which will add to the offer in Northallerton. We have made a conscious decision to try to avoid any impact on the High Street,” Coun Philips added.

He said a hotel, family-friendly pub and specialist retailers would also be possible suitable developments.

The masterplan envisages that up to 150 jobs could be created by the redevelopment opportunities and up to 95 jobs created during the building phase.

Last year workers at the Rural Payments Agency, in Northallerton, were told the department was being relocated in a move which would see more than 350 staff affected. The agency helps to make Common Agricultural Policy support payments, traces livestock and carries out inspections.

A task force was later set up to try to minimise the impact of its closure and that of the prison.

Consideration will also be given to using some of the historic details of the buildings in the designs and the views of a number of people, including landowners, public bodies and local parish and district councillors, have been sought for the blueprint which has been drawn up by consultants IBI Taylor Young for the district council.

More than 500 people attended a recent consultation event on the draft options for the sites. Comments from the consultation will help shape the final masterplan which will be developed by the end of April.

Coun Philips added: “We will take on board all the comments and use them to refine the proposals. We do, however, have to ensure they are realistic and that the developer market will find them attractive enough to deliver.”

The final masterplan will go before councillors for approval in June. It will then be used to help inform decisions on future planning applications.

The draft proposals will be on display at the Council Offices, Civic Centre, Stone Cross, Northallerton, or online at visit www.hambleton.gov.uk/centralnorthallerton