Strategic Harrogate development could support up to 2,000 new jobs

A new scheme in North Yorkshire has been unveiled which could support thousands of new jobs in the area.

Opus North and Bridges Fund Management have acquired a 38-acre site near Harrogate to deliver employment development Harrogate 47.

The site, located south-west of J47 of the A1M in North Yorkshire, has been allocated as the main strategic employment site in Harrogate Borough Council’s newly adopted Local Plan, and has planning permission for over half a million square feet of development for employment uses.

Following the acquisition, Opus North and Bridges Fund Management will progress a revised masterplan for Harrogate 47, working closely with Harrogate Borough Council and other key stakeholders. It is expected that the development will support up to 2,000 jobs.

Ryan Unsworth, development director of Opus North, commented: “This is a site with clear potential to make a significant contribution to the local economy through job creation and also through the delivery of high-quality office and logistics accommodation to meet existing and future market demand.

“With our joint venture partner, we are in a position to bring this development to life and are looking forward to continuing our discussions with both the Council and local stakeholders to create an exemplar development to address the local and regional shortages of employment space.”

Guy Bowden, partner at Bridges Fund Management, added: “We believe this important site in Harrogate can play a key role in meeting industrial demand and supporting the growth of the local economy.

“We are excited by the opportunity to create a highly sustainable development that will minimise environmental impact while maximising wellbeing and cost savings for future tenants.”