A YORK developer is starting on-site ground works on its new multi-million pound country resort as its £4 million highways project is completed.

Skelwith Group bosses have hailed the completion of the road works as a "major mile-stone" in the delivery of the Flaxby Country Resort on the outskirts of Knaresborough.

Since May 2013 K Rouse Civil Engineers, Skelwith’s highways contractor, has been working on installing a new roundabout and extra lanes on the A59 to service the luxury hotel.

Costing more than £4 million, the highways work needed to be completed before full construction work could start on site.

Along with the completion of the highways works, initial ground works have been ongoing, laying the footings for the main hotel.

Paul Ellis, managing director of Skelwith, said: “Finishing the highways works is a major mile-stone for the scheme. Ground works have already started and a main contractor the build of the hotel will be announced shortly.

“The Flaxby Country Resort will be of major importance both locally and regionally. Not only will it improve the local hotel and leisure offering, it will also be a major employer and draw people to the area, something that will boost the local economy.

"The development will result in the creation of hundreds of new jobs and we will endeavour to use local suppliers during construction and when the hotel is opened, providing a boost to the local economy.”

The Flaxby Country Resort, which is set to feature spa, gym and restaurant, is scheduled for completion at the end of 2015.

The Flaxby be the second leisure resort for Skelwith Group, following on from The Raithwaite Estate near Whitby.