Selby District Council has approved plans by Makin Enterprises to develop a creative hub on land at the former RAF Church Fenton airbase, already home to Yorkshire’s largest film studio
The project, Create Yorkshire, will build on the success of the Church Fenton Studios with the redevelopment of the major brownfield site within the Leeds City Region in order to provide enhanced opportunities for film and TV.
Create Yorkshire will also deliver economic diversity and new jobs to the former RAF base.
Chris Makin, of Makin Enterprises, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive the unanimous backing of Selby District Council on the next phase of this exciting project, which is set to change the creative landscape of the region.
“Create Yorkshire is an opportunity to attract unprecedented investment, growth and innovation and which we look forward to delivering the plans in the very near future.”
Chris Calvert, Planning Director at Pegasus Group’s Leeds office, added: “Alongside a compelling masterplanning exercise, making the economic case for the proposed development was one of the key parts of the application and Pegasus Group was able to produce detailed analysis looking at the numerous benefits the scheme will create once it is developed and operational.
“The studios will sit alongside a creative industries employment campus and in total the scheme is predicted to bring about around 1,800 new jobs to the region, fitting with the national and regional agenda for growth in this sector.”
Chris added: “The arts and creative industries are causing a real buzz across the North, and this project will provide the facilities and space for many complementary businesses to work alongside each other. This is a very exciting time.”
The new buildings will range in size, from large units, to smaller units suitable for start-up businesses.
Specialist advice was provided by Scott Royal of Royal Pilgrim Communication, supported by WSP, Alan Wood and Partners and Wright Environment.
