£65m investment for Skipton announced
The Yorkshire based Accent Group has been selected by Craven District Council as its Strategic Partner to take forward the development of key housing, heritage and public realm sites in Skipton. Rural Solutions, the rural consultancy arm of the Accent Group, has led the bid team during the fourteen month multi-staged tender process that ended in March with the final decision announced in April.
Accent’s successful bid will see in excess of £65 million invested over the next five years through a structured development programme in the North Yorkshire market town. This will include the provision of new housing (including 40 per cent affordable housing on each residential site) new retail outlets on Skipton’s High Street and extensive public realm works in the lock and Leeds Liverpool Canal as well as the restoration and revitalisation of Skipton’s historic Town Hall. Rural Solutions’ Managing Director Michael McCarthy commenting on the result said
“We are delighted to have contributed to Accent Groups success in winning, against stiff compensation, this transformational bid for the town and community of Skipton which we believe will become a land mark 'renaissance project'”
The Leader of Craven District Council at the time of the bid, Carl Lis commented that:
“This is an historic moment for the council and a milestone for the future prosperity and success of Skipton. Over the past four years, we have listened long and hard to what Craven residents have had to say about the development. Their comments and opinions have played a significant part in determining how we go forward.
“The proposals put forward by The Accent Group will help maintain Skipton as Yorkshires’ premier market town through the creation of new sustainable housing, new retail outlets as well as a contemporary cultural centre. “We were especially enthused to hear of Accents’ willingness to engage and work with the local community.” The four key sites that make up Skipton Developments include: Subject to planning permission it is envisaged work on Horse Close will start later in the year, followed by the Town Hall and High Street projects and then Granville Street. For further detail about Skipton Developments, please visit www.cravendc.gov.uk - Ends - Notes to Editors Unlocking value from redundant or under-used land and buildings - Rural Solutions is an award winning national rural regeneration company engaged in the development of rural land and buildings to secure a variety of viable and sustainable uses. The main body of work is development projects which generate income and capital growth for land and property owners provide services for occupiers supported by appropriate sustainable regeneration for rural communities. Rural Solutions has already been involved in an advisory or outright delivery roll, from ‘Concept-to-Completion’, in over 300 initiatives. Today the Rural Solutions’ service has grown considerably, with feasibility and business plans now incorporating the arts, education, healthcare, retail, tourism, youth, alternative energy and recycling projects. The company has offices in Skipton, Yorkshire (Tel: 01756 799955, Email: info@ruralsolutions.co.uk) and in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (Tel: 01242 530276, Email: info@ruralsolutions.co.uk). Find out more at www.ruralsolutions.co.uk. Rural Solutions has built up an impressive track record in releasing the value of land and buildings, particularly with regard to the development of rural business parks, village business centres and business homes in and out of town locations. It operates throughout the UK. Rural Solutions is owned by Accent Group, one of the UK’s leading housing providers, developing housing, health, and regeneration and education services for over 20,000 people across the country. Following successful merger partnerships with Nene Housing Society (now Accent Nene) and Peerless Housing Group (now Accent Peerless), the Group acquired Rural Solutions in May 2005 to compliment their urban regeneration work. Accent has established an alliance with London based consortia Network Housing Group and established a pioneering partnership agreement with Shelter. The Group employs some 800 people nationwide. As Accent does not have any shareholders it has the ability to reinvest money back into the communities in which it operates. Further information: Dr MICHAEL MCCARTHY, Managing Director, Rural Solutions – Tel. 01756 799955, 01242 530276, Email. michaelmccarthy@ruralsolutions.co.uk CHRISTIAN WALKER, Rural Solutions PR/Marketing Co-ordination – Tel. 01242 268071, Mob. 07809 388005, Email. christianwalker@ruralsolutions.co.uk IAN CAMPBELL, Marketing Manager, Accent Group – Tel. 01274 536095, Email. Ian.Campbell@Accentgroup.org
Enhanced as a heritage asset the Town Hall will become home to the Tourist Information Centre and the Council’s own ‘Contact Craven’ centre making services and information easily accessible to residents and tourists alike.
