Town centre investment driving up quality of life at the heart of Yorkshire
“We see new faces all the time, people saying they’re either about to move to the area or they’ve just moved to the area – I think it speaks volumes in terms of Selby as a place”, according to Lee Hanks, the owners of a Mollie Sharp’s cheese shop and deli in Selby town centre.
He is one of a number of small business owners who have invested heavily in the Yorkshire town, which sits right between the economic hubs of Leeds, Sheffield, York and Hull.
Over the last couple of years the town has seen its profile boosted by a number of major events, including as a finish location for last year’s international Tour de Yorkshire cycle race, and a year of arts events linked to the 950th birthday of the magnificent Selby Abbey.
Selby District Council has been investing in supporting the town centre. It is part of its commitment to encourage new business investment and growth.
A good quality of life helps businesses to attract and retain a good workforce. And Selby also benefits from lower house prices compared to neighbouring areas, a well-skilled local workforce, significant affordable new business space and easy links to north-south and east-west major road and rail links.
Lee recognises the role the District Council is playing to support this quality of life. He said: “Selby District Council I know work really hard in terms of putting on events.
“We’re recently had Selby Arts Festival, Selby Abbey 950 celebrations and the Tour de Yorkshire.”
His sentiment is supported by Jayne Cave, who runs an independent clothes shop in the town. She said: “It’s great that these events are brought to the town so we can show what Selby has to offer. It just shows that there’s a lot of love for Selby.”
