Grand plans to transform the former council offices in Harrogate into a mixed use commercial development have been revealed.
Property investor Impala Estates Ltd bought the Georgian Crescent Gardens in a £4 million deal in January.
A scheme to bring the back building back into use has now been developed, with a contemporary double-level extension proposed.
It is about to enter the planning process.
James Hartley, from Impala, said: “Our aim is to bring the building back into use by developing it in a sensitive way that fits in with the diverse architecture in the surrounding area. We hope to create flexible office and public space in a central part of town.
“We have been working with local architects, planning consultants, structural engineers and others to develop a scheme to bring the building back into use. We are nearly in a position to submit our planning application, but before we do, we would like to seek the views of local residents and businesses.
“In normal circumstances, we would arrange a public meeting to present our plans, but unfortunately this cannot be done given the restrictions on gatherings. As a result, we have uploaded plans, elevations and drawings of what the building will look like onto a web page.”
The glass addition atop of the building would house a roof garden restaurant, with plans for gym and meeting rooms also included, using the Council Chamber and Mayor’s Parlour elements, while retaining the civic heritage of the entrance hall and main staircase too.
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Together with the restaurant they would be open to the public.
Working with Harrogate-based S+SA Architects, it has been established that the structure of the building was originally designed for more than the two floor levels currently in place.
Impala has a growing portfolio of commercial and industrial property, and Crescent Gardens is seen as offering space for fully serviced shared workspace for small businesses and start-ups, to larger offices available on an exclusive use basis.
The proposal can be .