New stores and homes set to attract shoppers to town centre

The Skipton Developments project would see a new retail and restaurant complex built off Skipton High Street and new homes on the site of Craven Council's offices in Granville Street.

Developers, who say the scheme will create about 200 permanent full and part-time jobs, are asking people their views on the proposal before submitting a detailed planning application.

Housing regeneration specialist Lovell and Maple Grove Developments have been chosen by Craven Council as preferred development partner for the scheme.

Craven Council leader Councillor Chris Knowles-Fitton said: "Skipton Developments will bring a real boost in terms of jobs, homes and affordable housing and a better range of shops and I hope as many people as possible will take the time to give their views.

"Now the council has agreed the lease on Belle Vue Mills and will be moving into its new accommodation next year, the Granville Street site will be freed for sale as part of the development.

"The fact that Lovell and Maple Grove are willing to invest in Skipton speaks volumes as a positive step for Craven during these difficult economic times. "

Craven Council will sell the Granville Street site to Lovell and Maple Grove Developments.

The Lovell application for two buildings would see number nine High Street demolished and replaced by a two-storey building, which is likely to accommodate a restaurant and caf.

Land behind Skipton Town Hall would see four large retail stores which will front Jerry Croft and the main High Street car park.

The development, which would be largely clad in stone and glass, is to be named Albion Place. Lovell says that "advanced negotiations" were being held with a number of national retailers who are seeking either representation in Skipton for the first time or are looking to increase the size of units in the town.

A spokesman for Lovell said: "The scheme will provide an attractive frontage for visitors to Skipton arriving at the High Street car park.

"It offers large retail floor space not currently available in the town centre of Skipton and will help attract shops not already in the town, which in turn will help attract more visitors and shoppers to Skipton town centre.

"The fact that it is in the town centre, not out-of-town, will therefore strengthen the existing shopping centre and help encourage locals to shop in the town rather than driving to the likes of Keighley or Colne to do their main shops.

"The current building at nine High Street, which was put up in the 1970s and has drawn some criticism, will be replaced."

Lovell is proposing to redevelop the site of the existing council offices in Granville Street with 60 new stone-built houses and apartments.

The development will offer 44 family homes and 16 two-bedroom apartments.

The majority of the new housing will be for open market sale with some homes available for "affordable rent" and for "low-cost home ownership."

The affordable rent element of Granville Street will be for social housing. The low cost housing will be through a shared ownership scheme with Lovell or a registered social landlord and an individual.

Lovell and Maple Grove Developments hopes to submit detailed planning applications by September.

A public consultation event, where people can learn more about the proposals, will take place on July 29 between 10.30am and 7.30pm at Skipton Town Hall.