Former Harrogate council offices to receive grade A treatment

A deal has been signed that will allow financial advisers Ascot Lloyd move into former Harrogate Borough Council buildings, with developers investing in a grade A office revamp.

The Berkshire-based company will be relocating its North Yorkshire operations to the four story 16,673 sq ft site on Springfield Avenue, following the acquisition of the building by Scottsdale Properties.

Ascot Lloyd move from their Windsor Court base, with Scottsdale investing in a redevelopment of the site into grade A office accommodation, which could accommodate 200 staff.

The council has been selling off buildings since the beginning of the year ahead of a move to the new purpose built Knapping Mount site, which is due to open later this year.

In January, the council completed the sale of its Victoria Park House offices on Victoria Avenue in Harrogate to local property developer, Hornbeam Park Developments. The firm are also proposing to create new, modern Grade A office accommodation.

It also sold off its Crescent Gardens offices in March. Buyers Adam Thorpe Property Group are moving ahead with plans to transform the building into 14 apartments, an art gallery, restaurant and two retail units.

Councillor Graham Swift, Harrogate Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Enterprise and Economic Development, said: “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts on our Scottsdale House offices with an extremely successful business, which already has a major presence within our town.

“Scottsdale House occupies a fantastic town centre location and the move is great news as it indicates the confidence major businesses have in our local economy by committing to our district for the long term.

“Such moves can have a real positive impact, providing a boost for established businesses, and encouraging other businesses to consider locating in our district.

“The disposal of Scottsdale House, Crescent Gardens and Victoria Park House will also stimulate the local economy through the creation of both permanent and temporary jobs.”

Patrick Finnegan from Scottsdale Properties Ltd said: “We are pleased that Scottsdale House is to be retained as offices rather than be converted to residential accommodation. We see this as being vital in order for the survival and growth of Harrogate Town Centre.

“Without the continued presence of offices and businesses in the town centre, local shops and services are not sustainable. Our plan is that Scottsdale House will offer state of the art facilities. The objective is to create premier offices in the Harrogate area that will help to promote Harrogate itself and attract forward thinking businesses to the area.”