The sale of land on Gargrave Road, Skipton from Craven District Council to Skipton Building Society (SBS) has been completed for £844,989.

The land will be used to provide new offices for Homeloan Management Limited (HML), (100,000) sq. ft., and for Craven District Council (35,000 sq. ft.). The Council has the option of buying or leasing back offices it intends to use from SBS based on the sale price plus the building costs.

The sale was completed on 9th May following the granting of detailed planning permission.

Leader of Council Cllr Carl Lis commented “I am very pleased that the land sale has finally been completed and we can confirm that HML will be remaining, investing and growing in Craven. There has always been a compelling economic and employment case for retaining the company within the local area’’

The sale of the land to SBS will ensure the head office with the majority of senior staff and key support teams will be guaranteed to remain in the district.  It will also enable Skipton Building Society to expand its staff numbers at the Bailey.  HML has a significant effect on the town and makes a hugely valuable contribution to the wider area of Craven with approximately 15% of the jobs available in Skipton supplied by HML.  The Skipton daytime population is also significantly boosted by its employees, adding to the spending power in the town centre. Keeping HML in the district also means a wide range of high quality employment opportunities can be offered here in Skipton and Craven.

Notes to Editor

For information about any aspect of Craven District Council please contact Sharon Hudson on 01756 706246 or on 07799 264634 or at shudson@cravendc.gov.uk or Paul Ellis on 0791 9485475