Shops and homes plan for former prison
A FORMER North Yorkshire prison could be turned into shops and houses after being bought by a local council.
Northallerton Prison was built in 1780 and housed around 250 inmates before closing in December 2013.
Hambleton District Council said the 3.5 acre site will be incorporated into an ambitious development plan for the town centre.
A ‘masterplan’ for the area includes a retail area, workspace, new homes, leisure and a town square. It incorporates the prison’s five listed buildings which includes two female wings built in the 1800s and the governor’s block.
“Buying the prison is an exciting project for the council – and for the district,” said Council leader Mark Robson.
“It will bring new opportunities for jobs – both in the construction industry to develop the site and then in the new business bases created. Ownership of this site means we have a unique opportunity to look at a large area in the centre of Northallerton – our masterplan will complement existing businesses, enhance them and increase their footfall by bringing in new customers.
“We have a blank canvas to work from to create something that is exciting for both the town and the district of Hambleton.”
He said the agreed purchase price – which is confidential – will be funded from the council’s £10m Economic Development Fund. Any money made from the redevelopment scheme will be returned to the fund.
