In brief: Welcome to Yorkshire, S Harrison, C4DI

TOURISM body Welcome to Yorkshire has given its backing to a £12m luxury lodge site at Sutton on the Forest, near Easingwold.

The decision on the site is looming, with a committee meeting to discuss tomorrow.

Chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire Sir Gary Verity has voiced his support of the scheme, which will create 124 jobs at the spa, restaurant and village store.

Luxury Lodge Group, which has been working on the Forest Lakes proposals for over two years has seen some local opposition to the scheme, but Hambleton District Council has lent its support to the scheme.

Sir Gary Verity said: “With more people opting to holiday in Yorkshire it’s important the county offers accommodation that caters for every taste and budget.

“Luxurious holidays are becoming ever more popular and a development such as Forest Lakes will no doubt prove incredibly popular with those who wish to treat themselves to a five-star base from which to explore this great county.”

Richard Burns, development director of Luxury Lodge Group, said: “We are really proud of this development and our whole team has put a tremendous amount of effort into ensuring that Forest Lakes fits seamlessly into the surrounding landscape and is an asset to the local area.

“The final design was shaped by an independent review panel to ensure the scheme is attractive both from the site and the surrounding area.

“As well as lasting economic benefits of the development, the new facilities that will be included in the scheme will, I know, be welcomed by many in the area.”

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YORK-BASED developers S Harrison have agreed to sell a Newcastle student development to Empiric for £7.5m.

S Harrison acquired Metrovick House on Northumberland Road in July and appointed Newcastle-based Tolent Construction as main contractor earlier this month.

S Harrison will hand over the project to Empiric ahead of the 2016 academic year.

Paul Hadaway, chief executive of Empiric Student Property plc commented: “This acquisition represents our second acquisition in Newcastle, an exciting student city with two popular universities.

“On completion of this scheme, together with the Group’s first investment, Claremont House, our presence in this city will reach 151 beds.

“This scale will enable us to derive improved operational efficiencies between the two properties. This acquisition is in line with Empiric’s investment criteria and returns profile.”

S Harrison’s director, David Clancy said: ‘This is an iconic landmark building in the city and we have an excellent track record for finding new viable uses for older buildings.

“We are delighted to have exchanged contracts with Empiric whose reputation in the student accommodation sector is unrivalled.

“The interest in the development confirms the continuing demand for quality student provision to serve Newcastle’s two thriving universities.”

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THE C4DI development in Hull is gathering pace, with only four units still available.

The development’s roof is nearly completed and when finished, the site will offer office space for businesses of between two and right people.

Each business will be able to sign up for 12 month leases.