DEVELOPERS are being invited to bid to be part of a deal to redevelop a former North Yorkshire prison.

Hambleton District Council is looking for a private sector partner to join forces with it to regenerate the 3.4 acre site in the centre of Northallerton.

Hambleton's council leader Mark Robson said: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to develop a new quarter in historic Northallerton. We are committed to seeing it reach its full potential by both retaining and enhancing the listed buildings and creating new uses for the remainder of the site.

"We want to create a legacy for the town that reflects the sites former use but also drives the town forward."

Bidders will go through a tender process to create a Local Asset Backed Vehicle (LABV) for the project, with the council committing assets and the partner committing cash, assets and services. Any returns would be shared.

A masterplan has already been drawn up for the site – which includes five listed buildings - including retail, leisure, housing and community use premises, as well as a small hotel. The nearby 232 space Crosby Road car park could also be part of the plans.

The council bought the prison from the Ministry of Justice for £1.4 million last summer.