Terry’s site sale ‘chance to move forward’

Work began earlier this month on a six-month scheme to prepare the sprawling 27-acre site for the regeneration scheme which is planned to create hundreds of homes, two hotels, shops, bars and restaurants, as well as 2,700 new jobs.

But it has emerged that Grantside, the York-based developers of the site, has put the majority of the site up for sale.

It is the latest twist in a scheme that has been beset by delays since planning permission was granted by York Council in February 2010.

But Coun Dave Merrett, the council’s cabinet member for city strategy, yesterday told the Yorkshire Post the move could now kickstart the development.

“Obviously everybody is concerned but this is a real opportunity for the scheme to move forward,” he said.

“We were aware of some issues over this before it was announced.”

More than 300 jobs were lost when the Terry’s factory closed in 2005 after US parent company Kraft transferred production to Europe.

The long-awaited redevelopment – which was refused in 2008 amid concerns about transport and infrastructure – is planned to include 125 family homes and 95 apartments.

A 150-bed hotel is also planned along with 200,000 sq ft of offices, a medical centre and a 60-bed care home.

Signs were put up around the site advertising the sale on Friday.