A major investment in a creative hub south of York is underway, which will provide more high-quality jobs for the region.
Applications have gone in to build the first phase of Create Yorkshire at the former RAF Church Fenton base.
This would provide four new film/TV studios and a purpose-built office, all dedicated to the creative, digital and media sector.
Future phases of the Create Yorkshire scheme will include space for ancillary services such as cafes and restaurants for visitors and people working on the site.
This project builds on the demand for additional creative space at Church Fenton. This follows successes such as ITV’s hit royal drama Victoria, whose first two series were filmed at Church Fenton, as well as series two of the BBC’s Gentleman Jack, which started airing this month.
The former RAF Church Fenton has been brought back to life by Yorkshire family-run Makin Enterprises with a mix of media, food and beverage, construction, and aviation businesses at the site.
Hundreds of jobs
In a linked investment, another application is in to deliver a new facility for BCA, the digital vehicle marketplace.
BCA is seeking planning approval to utilise two existing buildings and a further purpose-built 3,025 sq. m arrival building and 7,000 sq. m production hub.
Vehicles would be prepared and stored on-site. New dedicated car parking space would also be provided.
If approved, BCA could deliver hundreds of jobs at Church Fenton, ranging from high skilled engineering jobs to a variety of roles related to the overall running of BCA’s operation, including apprenticeships for local young people.
These proposals across the Church Fenton site would include an extensive package of soft landscaping which would reduce visual impact and improve place making across the site.
The Create Yorkshire and BCA schemes have been prepared and submitted by Pegasus Group, Alan Wood and Partners, BWB and WEL.
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Chris Makin, of Makins Ltd, said:
We are very proud of what we have achieved since purchasing the Church Fenton site in 2014, helping to create a large number of jobs along the way.
These two projects are a significant milestone which would deliver a multi-million-pound investment in the North Yorkshire economy as well as hundreds of jobs with many opportunities for local people.
The submission of these plans takes us a step closer to maximising the potential of this outstanding site.
Both applications have now been submitted to Selby District Council.