Collaboration to explore potential use of strategic 270-acre site
Property business, Scarborough Group International (SGI), has entered into a joint venture partnership with Greyfriars Investments to explore potential future use of a 270-acre site on the outskirts of Flaxby, Harrogate.
The collaboration seeks to assess how the site – next to Junction 47 of the A1(M) in North Yorkshire – could contribute to the region’s long-term economic and development objectives.
The land, formerly a golf course, was acquired from administrators in 2016 with consent granted for a hotel and golf resort.
Following a previous planning process under the former Harrogate Borough Council, alternative proposals, including an eco-village resort, were considered but did not progress.
A strategic review of the site in 2022/23 led to SGI joining as a new partner to explore a fresh vision for the land.
As part of this process, SGI has submitted the site for consideration in North Yorkshire Council’s new Local Plan, ensuring any future proposals align with the region’s evolving needs and policy framework.
The North Yorkshire Local Plan, which will guide development across the county for the next 15 to 20 years, is currently in its early stages.
As part of this process, the council has issued a “Call for Sites,” inviting landowners, developers and other stakeholders to propose sites for consideration.
Adam Varley, development director at SGI, said: “Our partnership with Greyfriars Investments marks an important step in examining the site’s future role within North Yorkshire’s wider development strategy.
“While it is still early days, we are committed to a collaborative approach that ensures local voices and priorities help shape any future proposals.
“We are looking forward to engaging with the community and other key stakeholders as part of this process, ensuring that any potential plans are both sensitive to local concerns and supportive of sustainable economic growth. With our experience in delivering transformative projects of this scale, such as Thorpe Park in Leeds, we are well-placed to contribute to the evolving conversation about the site’s future.”
Jamie Macnamara, Greyfriars Investments, added: “We are pleased to be working with Scarborough Group to explore future opportunities for the Flaxby site.
“SGI’s expertise in delivering employment-led developments, combined with their understanding of regional priorities, makes them an ideal partner as we seek to establish a sustainable and deliverable vision for the site.”
