Victorian prison to be transformed into digital innovation offices in £17m regeneration project

Former prison buildings are set for a £17m redevelopment as part of a Yorkshire regeneration project.

Work is underway to create a new future for Northallerton Prison as part of the Treadmills regeneration project in North Yorkshire.

Local contractor Moody Construction is transforming the Victorian prison blocks into a Centre for Digital Innovation (C4DI), offices, and mixed use spaces.

The works involve external restoration and extensive internal redevelopment, modernisation and refurbishment of the Grade II listed prison buildings, the oldest parts of which date back almost 200 years.

The £17m redevelopment is being driven forward by Central Northallerton Development Company Ltd (CNDCL), a joint venture formed by leading Yorkshire property developer Wykeland Group and Hambleton District Council.

The conversion and modernisation works are due to be completed this autumn and will be followed by a two-month fit-out, with occupiers due to move in early next year.

Jonathan Stubbs, development director of Wykeland and a CNDCL board member, commented: “We’re pleased to have appointed a local contractor to deliver this key phase of the Treadmills project, which will increase the benefits to the local economy, and excited that work is now well under way on the heart of the prison site.

“Establishing C4DI Northallerton will create an aspirational environment for tech entrepreneurs and specialists to collaborate and thrive.

“We’re keen to hear from tech-based businesses and freelancers who want to become part of this exciting new community, based in a unique, characterful setting.”

Leader of Hambleton District Council, Councillor Mark Robson, said: “We are creating new leisure and work spaces – people will come here not just to work but to socialise and shop, boosting the economy of our district.

“C4DI will keep our tech talent local and stem the brain drain from the area.

“It will also create a cluster of digital expertise to support local economic growth, especially through the development of agritech products, services and applications.”

John Connolly, managing director of C4DI, added: “It’s fantastic to see the work taking place to create a unique new home for tech innovation and collaboration in Northallerton.

“Bringing traditional agriculture and food processing companies together with the tech sector will create new businesses and jobs and deliver a significant, wider impact on the local economy.”