Two new venues are to open as part of an ongoing commitment to drive regeneration and investment in towns across North Yorkshire.
We are continuing to revitalise town centres by reviewing its estate and pursuing opportunities to upgrade unused buildings for the benefit of communities and the local economy.
The authority has now secured a new tenant for a vacant unit in the council-owned Royal Baths building in Harrogate, formerly home to the Potting Shed.
The latest addition to Northallerton’s multi-million pound Treadmills scheme created on the site of the town’s former prison is also due to open in the New Year.
Executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include economic development and regeneration, said: “The arrival of these new venues benefits everybody.
“They will provide local employment opportunities and hopefully attract more people to our town centres, who are likely to spend money in other shops and use local accommodation providers.”
“It’s crucial that we continue identify opportunities to drive investment and increase footfall in our high streets.
“We want to have economically vibrant and thriving town centres where residents, visitors and businesses work together to drive growth – and our larger centres such as Harrogate and Northallerton play a key role in driving economic activity elsewhere across the county.”
In Harrogate, the Wicked Wolf bar and restaurant is to open its doors today (Friday 6 December) in the Royal Baths building.
The premises will be split into a food and restaurant area serving Mediterranean food, pizzas and burgers on one side, with the rest of the site becoming a bar area which will be open until late at weekends.
Owner Kevin Spencer believes the opening will boost the town’s economy with other businesses and accommodation providers also likely to benefit from the increased footfall.
He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be opening The Wicked Wolf in Harrogate and there’s a huge amount of excitement ahead of what we hope will be a busy and vibrant festive period.
“I have 30 years’ experience owning and operating nightclubs and high-volume bars – and think residents and visitors in Harrogate will enjoy what we have to offer.
“This will be my first venue in the town and I hope there will be more to come in the future. We want to continue investing in Harrogate, supporting the night-time economy and enhancing the already amazing daytime offerings that it has to offer.”
In Northallerton, Soju by Sumo is due to open in January 2025 offering authentic flavours from across East Asia.
The restaurant, which will see classic Chinese favourites cooked using modern western cooking techniques, is hoped to provide local employment opportunities and increase footfall to the site that offers retail, business and leisure facilities.
It will become the latest arrival at the multi-purpose Treadmills location that preserves all four listed buildings. The development already features an Everyman cinema, Lidl and Iceland stores, a pilates studio, a kitchen showroom, restaurants and a bistro.