Consultation on plans to develop a creative hub at former airport site
Feedback is being sought for plans to build a creative hub, to be known as ‘Create Yorkshire’, on land at the former RAF Church Fenton.
Paragon Creative, the largest specialist design and build company in Europe, has been announced as a major anchor partner in the project, which is being described as the first steps in a long-term strategy for the development of Create Yorkshire.
The hub is set to deliver space for creative businesses from onto one, built-for-purpose site. The aim of the project is to utilise the land at Church Fenton to deliver economic diversity and growth, whilst creating a wide range of new jobs locally.
The company’s move to the site will bring 160 existing, high-value, skilled jobs across the media, creative and production businesses.
The vision for Create Yorkshire builds on the success of the film and television studios already at the site, home to ITV’s hit TV show Victoria. The last series had over 170 cast and crew members employed to work on the series from production staff to actors.
The UK’s creative industry has witnessed a period of significant growth in recent years and is now worth a record £84bn to the UK economy. A creative hub at Church Fenton could further boost Yorkshire’s film and TV industries and ensure the creative industries remain a thriving sector in the North of England.
Chris Makin, CEO of Makin Enterprises and landowner, said: “It’s great news that Paragon Creative are joining the Create Yorkshire project at Church Fenton. Their involvement is another step towards delivering a real creative hub in the North of England, which promises jobs and growth for the whole region.
“The Church Fenton site offers a major opportunity for the re-invigoration and re-use of this important site in Selby which can benefit the local community through the prospects of economic growth and job creation. However, as I have always maintained, it is crucial that development here can only go ahead after consulting with local people, to ensure Create Yorkshire is a benefit for as many people in the community as possible.”
Mark Pyrah, development director and founder at Paragon Creative, said: “We are excited to become part of the Create Yorkshire project and benefitting from the talent available in Selby and the surrounding area. Paragon Creative is one of the world’s leading design development and build companies, with over 25 years of practical and creative experience.
“We currently employ some of the most creative and talented individuals in the country and look forward to the growth opportunities that the move to Church Fenton can offer.”
A public exhibition will be held onsite at the Fenton Feeder at the Aerodrome, Busk Lane, LS24 9SE on Friday 17 November between 2pm and 7.30pm. Members of the development team will be on hand to discuss the plans.
