THE first tenants of a new multi-million pound food enterprise centre could be moving on site in the next six months.

The £3m scheme on Leeming Bar’s business park will create specialist food grade premises to build upon the area’s existing cluster of food firms.

It will comprise six food grade starter units and four grow-on units together with an on-site management suite and a fully equipped test kitchen.

The centre is being built on land owned by Hambleton District Council on the business park - 70 per cent of which is earmarked for food or food-related companies.

Local cabinet member for health Tony Hall said: "The project results from the need to ensure that there is an adequate supply of high quality premises for local businesses - particularly for new and small businesses.

"Many food businesses struggle to find suitable and hygienic accommodation locally - but this new centre will give them a basic shell fully fitted to food grade standards."

Work on the centre is due for completion at the end of June. Any new or young food business interested in renting space should contact the economic development section of the council on 0845 1211 555 for further details.

The project is being led by Hambleton District Council with support from the regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward, and the European Regional Development Fund.