LNT Care completes purchase of former council HQ
The developer’s plans for a 66-bed care home in Northallerton have taken a step forward, with work set to begin in July.
Plans for the redevelopment of the former Hambleton District headquarters were approved in May, and include a three-storey, L-shaped care facility specialising in dementia care and respite services with ensuite rooms, communal areas, a library, café, tea-room, a sky bar, and landscaped gardens.
Now, the sale of the site has completed for an undisclosed sum.
Situated on a two-acre site, the Stone Cross Civic Centre has been vacant since North Yorkshire reorganised itself into a unitary council in 2023.
The site fronts Northallerton Road, the main route leading north to south through Northallerton.
The developer used its own architecture and planning services, with Mood Landscape working on the surrounding grounds. Crystal Care Collection will operate the site.
North Yorkshire Council owns the building and received nine bids when the site was marketed by the council’s property consultancy, Align, with none of the bids wanting to keep the existing building.
Deputy leader, Cllr Gareth Dadd, said: “We inherited a significant estate of land and property when the eight authorities became one organisation. We now own more than 3,200 buildings across the county, ranging from community and wellbeing facilities to operational bases and schools.
“There is no longer an operational need for us to retain the civic centre, as many of the services previously delivered at the Stone Cross site – including a customer services hub – have already relocated to other council-owned premises to better serve residents.
“As a result, it was agreed that a sale would provide the best outcome for both the authority and communities, generating valuable funds that will be reinvested elsewhere in the council as well as reducing annual running costs.
“When this council was launched three years ago, we inherited a large number of buildings across North Yorkshire that were underutilised while still incurring significant costs to the taxpayer. I am pleased that the deal has now been completed.
“We have a responsibility to strategically review and manage the buildings we own, ensuring that every asset is used effectively so we deliver the best value for money to residents, without compromising the quality of services that we provide.
“The sale of Stone Cross will generate a significant capital return that can be reinvested into other priority areas and make substantial savings in running costs.”
Cllr Steve Watson, local member for the Northallerton North and Brompton division, added: “This is welcome news with a building that has sat vacant for some time now to be transformed to support North Yorkshire’s older residents.
“This will result in significant savings that can be used to support key services elsewhere, while supporting regeneration and driving investment in the town.”
Land director at LNT Care Developments, Keeley Sharp, said: “We are delighted with the acquisition of the civic centre, enabling care provision to the community of Northallerton, alongside the 60 employment opportunities we will generate.
“Once open, Crystal Care Collection will provide person-centred, residential, dementia and respite care with an all-inclusive fee, supporting residents to live well, every day.”
Director of commercial agency and head of commercial real estate at Align, Daniel Clinch, said: “The sale of Stonecross is a significant milestone that delivers positive outcomes for everyone involved.
“LNT Care Developments are a nationally recognised operator with an outstanding track record, and the redevelopment of this site will make a tangible contribution to care provision across North Yorkshire.
“This is not simply a property transaction – it is a long-term investment in the community that the council serves.”
