M&S store planned for Harrogate
A MARKS & Spencer Simply Food store could be set to open on a prime site in Harrogate under plans which would see a Nidd Vale motor operation relocate to a business park, TheBusinessDesk.com can reveal.
The announcement follows controversial plans for retail giant Tesco to build its first superstore in the North Yorkshire town recently getting the green light.
Nidd Vale is to transfer its Leeds Road dealership, which trades in Vauxhall, Mazda, SEAT and Saab, to St James’s Business Park in Knaresborough, where it would occupy a purpose-built 20,000 sq ft car showroom.
The M&S Food outlet will form part of a development being spearheaded by Leeds-based St James Securities.
A public consultation is set to take place in the autumn on the Harrogate plans.
In a joint statement, Nidd Vale and St James Securities said: “The directors of Nidd Vale have for some years been looking for an opportunity to potentially relocate the Leeds Road business to facilitate the trading of both their Harrogate sales and aftersales operations from a single location.
“Earlier in 2011 an approach was made by a leading, award winning development company, St James Securities, to investigate the opportunities of developing the Leeds Road site and relocating the Nidd Vale business.
“After a detailed strategic review of all opportunities available to Nidd Vale it was agreed to progress the proposals further in partnership with St James Securities.
“This would potentially provide the Nidd Vale business with a up to date trading platform to protect existing jobs within the Harrogate district whilst, at the same time, creating new employment from the development of the Leeds Road site with partners sympathetic to the location and its business and residential neighbours.
“Nidd Vale are delighted to confirm their plans are progressing well and is hoped all surveys will be completed to submit a formal combined planning application, in conjunction with St James Securities, covering the Leeds Road development and new dealership facility at St James’s Business Park to Harrogate District Council during the fourth quarter of 2011.
“Following significant early interest from a number of high street retailers, it is confirmed the preferred primary operator of the developed Leeds Road site would be Marks and Spencer, subject to the relevant planning consents being granted.”
