Historic town centre properties to become shops and apartments

Work is now underway to convert the “Herald Buildings” in Harrogate town centre into a new retail and apartment scheme.

Yorkshire-based property company Rushbond has appointed Ashfield Projects to undertake renovation of these buildings.

Originally built in the 1850s, they were the headquarters of the Harrogate Advertiser for much of the last century until the newspaper company moved out in 1990.

More recently, the building operated as a bar for nearly 30 years before this closed in 2021.

Rushbond acquired the development in 2021 and work is now in progress to transform the buildings into four ground floor retail units and five apartments including a penthouse, designed by SPX Architects.

The apartments will be marketed under Rushbond’s new housebuilding arm, Fallowdale Homes, and are expected to be ready to move into from spring 2025.

Richard Gough, from Rushbond, said: “We are excited to have begun work on this iconic local landmark.

“The renovations will create a sustainable, long-term use for these significant buildings, offering future generations of people the opportunity to live and work in this locally designated heritage asset.

“We hope that by breathing new life into this historic building, the much-loved Montpellier neighbourhood in Harrogate will be further enhanced with new retail spaces to be enjoyed by a growing community of residents.”

Renovations will include a full fit-out and remodel of the interior spaces, as well as restoration of the buildings’ exterior to further enhance the streetscape.

The wider project team also includes Richard Boothroyd & Associates Ltd, Topping Engineers and HG Consulting Engineers.