Harrogate property investment firm acquires former council HQ in £4m deal

A family-owned property investment business in North Yorkshire has purchased a former council headquarters in a multi-million pound deal.

Impala Estates has acquired Crescent Gardens in the centre of Harrogate, which was formerly the base of Harrogate Borough Council.

The 37,900 sq ft building was occupied by the council from the 1930s to 2017 until it relocated to new headquarters at Knapping Mount.

Impala Estates is set to transform the building into a multi-occupancy office building for small businesses in the area. James Hartley from Impala Estates explained: “Plans are in place to bring the building back to its former glory and refurbish these offices to a modern standard for multiple occupancy.

“We aim to create office space on flexible lease terms, with meeting rooms, kitchens, showers and gym facilities. The space will range from fully serviced shared workspace for small businesses and start-ups, to larger offices available on an exclusive use basis.”

Cllr Graham Swift, Harrogate Borough Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development, commented: “The proposed plans will ensure that this high quality local asset is regenerated to deliver a building that provides much needed office space in the town centre.”

The deal was secured by property firm Sanderson Weatherall. Richard Dunn, head of agency at Sanderson Weatherall, added, “We are pleased to have secured Impala Estates as the purchaser of Crescent Gardens, on behalf of Harrogate Borough Council.

“The sale of this iconic property has attracted a great deal of interest from property companies and developers, as well as the local community who are keen to see the building be brought back to life.

“Impala Estates has a long-term interest and vision for Crescent Gardens, and it will be exciting to see their plans come to fruition.”