Thousands of new jobs set at former colliery site

Kellingley Colliery near Selby, which closed in December 2015 with the loss of 450 jobs, is set to be developed into a major new manufacturing and distribution centre, which could create 2,900 new jobs and bring investment into the region of £200m.

Site owners Harworth Group Plc this week secured the resolution to grant planning consent from Selby District Council to redevelop the 151 acre site.

Councillor Mark Crane, Selby District Council leader, said: "This is a key development site for our district and crucial for the delivery of our Economic Development Strategy. It has the potential to create significant new jobs and bring in a huge amount of new investment. It benefits from the things that make our district a great place to do business, including fantastic transport connections, affordable business space and being supported by a skilled local workforce; all located right at the heart of Yorkshire.

"We’ve been working as a team with Harworth and their advisors, North Yorkshire County Council and with Selby College to create the plan for the site, as part of our work to support growth and development which opens up new job opportunities and helps to make us a great place for business and a great place to live."

Since Harworth took ownership of the site in March 2016, contractors have demolished industrial buildings, and public consultation took place last September with local residents, businesses and councillors to look at ways to replace the jobs lost when mining ended.

Owen Michaelson, chief executive of Harworth Group Plc, said: "We’re delighted to have received the support of Selby District Council for our scheme that will make a significant contribution to Yorkshire’s economy. We’re fully committed to creating a first-class commercial centre that is likely to provide at least several hundred jobs in accordance with local planning policy, replacing the jobs lost when the colliery closed its doors in 2015."