A SEARCH has been launched for a partner to deliver the proposed redevelopment of Northallerton’s former prison.

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

And on September 2 it is holding a promotional day when prospective bidders for the partnership can learn more about the council’s plans for the site – and visit the prison itself.

If interested they will then need to go through a tender process – the results of which should be known in early 2016.

It is hoped that a mix of retail, leisure, housing and community use premises will be provided at the former jail – which was bought from the Ministry of Justice for £1.4m earlier this summer.

Redevelopment work should begin next year and be complete in 2017.

Deputy chief executive Justin Ives said: “It is a scheme of significant strategic importance to the council in terms of improving the market town’s vibrancy and complementing the existing high street.”

Bidders wanting to attend the event on September 2, at 11am at the Civic Centre in Northallerton, should contact Carol Newman on 01609-767002.