Old newspaper base to become sustainable business centre

Plans have been drawn up to transform a former newspaper headquarters in Harrogate into a pioneering sustainable office development.

1 Cardale Park was opened by Princess Diana in 1991 as the home of Ackrill Newspapers, then owner of the Harrogate Advertiser Series, with printing and production on site.

Now the building is undergoing a refurbishment programme to create a contemporary, eco-friendly business centre.

The four-phase development will create workspace for up to 350 people.

Phase one, which launches in the spring, will include 13 ground floor offices, 10 co-working desks, meeting rooms, reception, a kitchen area, shower facilities and a wellbeing café. There will be low energy LED lighting throughout and Fairtrade coffee on tap.

Business centre manager Brittany Chadwick said: “A healthy body and state of mind are key to performance in the workplace which is why we have incorporated indoor and outdoor planting and relaxation space, a professional yoga studio and natural light into the design.”

Healthy eating café veterans Jayne and Bouk Maijer have taken the lease to operate the café, which will be called Joy and will follow the successful formula of the Maijers’ existing business in Boston Spa.

The café will be open to the public but food and drink will be discounted for tenants and staff.

Chadwick added: “More and more people want to follow a healthier lifestyle and we believe modern workplaces should support wellness goals, which is why the whole look and feel of 1 Cardale Park will be more like a spa than an office.”

The offices are being marketed by Harrogate property agent FSS and commercial manager Adam Crawfurd-Porter said levels of interest are already high.

He said: “The location on the edge of Harrogate, near Harlow Carr Gardens and open countryside, couldn’t be better for a development which has embraced the current trend for healthier workspaces.

“To have something as innovative as 1 Cardale Park on our doorstep in Harrogate is exciting for the local economy and represents a ground-breaking step change for Harrogate’s commercial property market.”