Grade II-listed mansion gets green light for spa and hotel conversion
MAJOR plans to convert a 17th century North Yorkshire mansion into a spa and hotel have been given unanimous approval by authorities. Harrogate Borough Council has given the green light for Grantley Hall Ltd, the property vehicle of Valeria Sykes, investor and ex-wife of businessman and UKIP donor Paul Sykes, to start its conversion.
The company will create 51 suites, with a spa and wellness centre, whilst the outbuildings of the 32,000 sq ft site will be transformed into on-site staff accommodation.
Construction and development of the property will create an estimated 200 jobs, with 150 permanent positions for the surrounding areas, including Ripon, once the hotel and spa is open.
Built in the 17th century for the Norton family, it was sold to the current developers in 2013 for around £6m.
A spokesperson from the Grantley Hall team commented:”We would like to thank Harrogate Borough Council for their considered unanimous support for this important regional project. We are extremely pleased with the outcome of yesterday’s meeting and grateful to all those that have been involved in the process.
“We are committed to making this project a huge success and have instructed work to begin immediately, cementing what is to be an exciting future for the prestigious building and the start of a new chapter in its distinguished history.”
Grantley Hall, named for the nearby village of Grantley, has changed hands several times. It was used as a convalescent home in the Second World War, and between 1947 and 1974 it was used as an adult residential college.
It became a private residence again in 2006, before being bought by another developer in 2010. Business ventures abroad fell through for the developer and it changed hands again in 2013.
