Milestone passed in plans for 300-bed ‘golf resort’

Skelwith Leisure, based in York, is celebrating the finishing of highways works on the A59, which includes a new roundabout and extra lanes.

Work has now started on ground works for the luxury 300-bedroom hotel proposed for the Flaxby Country Resort site, located at the existing Flaxby Park golf course between York and Harrogate.

Contractor Leeds-based K Rouse started the highways work in May last year and will be responsible for maintaining the new lanes and roundabout for the next 12 months, after which the county council will take over.

Paul Ellis, managing director of Skelwith, said: “Finishing the highways works is a major milestone for the scheme.

“Ground works have already started and a main contractor for the build of the hotel will be announced shortly.

“The Flaxby Country Resort will be of major importance both locally and regionally.

“Not only will it improve the local hotel and leisure offering, it will also be a major employer and draw people to the area, something that will boost the local economy.

“The development will result in the creation of hundreds of new jobs and we will endeavour to use local suppliers during construction and when the hotel is opened, providing a boost to the local economy.”

The Flaxby Country Resort is scheduled for completion at the end of 2015. It is expected to employ over 300 people.

A company spokesman said that, once completed, the hotel will be one of the biggest in the North.

The company wants to attract major events to Flaxby. Golf course management company, Troon Golf, has been involved with the project for the past three years.

The Skelwith spokesman said: “When complete the hotel and leisure development will be one of the biggest hotels in the north of England and will feature a luxury spa and gym, restaurants, bars, boutiques, set in over 280 acres of rolling countryside.

“The Flaxby will follow in the success of the Skelwith Group’s sister resort, The Raithwaite Estate on the East Coast near Whitby. The Raithwaite Estate features two hotels, cottages and is set in 100 acres of grounds and gardens.