HUNDREDS of jobs are to be created as part of the expansion of a Malton business park, which is to start next month.

The £20 million extension to York Road Industrial Estate will create 16.7 acres of further development space, amounting to about 200,000 sq ft of office, industrial and warehousing space.

Developers David Harrison Group, which has developed about 30 per cent of the existing York Road Industrial Estate, is the owner of the adjacent land, and obtained permission for the extension last September after two years in the planning process.

Sean Harrison, of the David Harrison Group, said work would start on the roads for the new site next month.

He said the units in the new site would be sustainable, and would use high-quality materials, design and landscaping to mark them out from existing premises. The development has already attracted interest.

The size of the site also enables the developers to create a mix of high-quality office space, warehousing and manufacturing, he said.

He said: “It’s a big site for Malton and we’re confident of disposing of the entire first phase. We’re already seeing a lot of interest and once people can see that work has started, we’re expecting a lot more.”

The development will be built in three phases Andrew McBeath, agent for the property, said the site, which is almost immediately off the A64, while also being within walking distance of Malton town centre, provides a long-awaited opportunity for indigenous firms to be able to expand and they are in “advanced discussions” with three other firms interested in the site.

Coun Keith Knaggs, leader of Ryedale District Council, said: “This is an exciting opportunity that will bring enterprise and new jobs.

“The council’s economy team will work in partnership with the developers to promote this scheme to ensure that both local people and businesses see real benefits.”