North Yorkshire Police's former headquarters building has been sold to a firm that provides 'educational activity courses' for young people.
The move was formerly announced by Julia Mulligan, the county's police commissioner, during a press conference at Newby Wiske Hall earlier today.
The property, near Northallerton, has been sold for an as-yet undisclosed sum to Hertfordshire-based PGL who claim their plans for the site could create up to 100 jobs.
Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan said, “I'm very pleased to be able to announce the sale today. Back in 2012, I pledged to ensure that the people of North Yorkshire were served by a modern and responsive police force. To do this the police needed a headquarters fit for modern day policing.
“Newby Wiske Hall and its grounds are beautiful, but as a listed former stately home in a relatively remote rural location, it's not what's needed in this day and age and is expensive to run. There is, of course, some sadness to be leaving our home of some 40 years, but our new HQ in central Northallerton will save money over the longer term and help us modernise the way we work, ultimately improving the service to our communities.
“We had quite a few offers on the Hall and after careful consideration, I have chosen a buyer who will work sympathetically with the building, have minimal impact on the environment and I believe, be a very good neighbour.
Richard Sanders Operations Director, PGL added, “PGL is delighted to have acquired Newby Wiske Hall and we are excited by the opportunity to open a new site in North Yorkshire.
We intend to invest in the sympathetic conversion of the existing buildings to create accommodation for pupils and teachers on school trips who will take part in a wide range of adventure activities and local excursions. We plan to open for our first guests in Spring 2018 and will create more than 100 jobs, not only instructing activities but in catering, housekeeping, site maintenance and management roles. We will be pleased to share our plans in more detail at an open evening in the near future. We look forward to welcoming guests to North Yorkshire from next year.”
