Work is to re-start on a project to enable a district council to move from its present dilapidated headquarters into an historic listed building.

Developers Rushbond has taken over the Belle Vue Mill project in Skipton, which had slowed because of the recession.

The award-winning Yorkshire-based company will transform the mill into luxury apartments and a new base for Craven District Council and space for North Yorkshire County Council staff working in Skipton.

The previous developer, Nova Homes, is now focussing on completing the new build element of the re-development of the mill complex in Broughton Road.

Craven Council has agreed to lease the office suite and fit out the new headquarters at a cost of just over £4 million. When the work is completed, Craven staff will vacate the old building in Granville Street, which will eventually be demolished and the site used for housing.

With county council staff also moving in, the new offices are expected to accommodate more than 250 people.

Rushbond intend to start work in May having been granted amended planning permission by Craven council.

The aim is to create a single point of contact for Craven residents for all their district and North Yorkshire County Council services.

There will be a shared reception and a Civic Suite made up of the council chamber and register office which will move from Gargrave Road.

Craven Council’s chief executive Paul Shevlin said: “Agreeing the lease terms puts us one step closer to being in our new office accommodation.

“Subject to planning conditions being met, we will have vastly improved office and civic space and will be able to offer much better access for the public in the new premises.”

Councillor Carl Lis, executive member for corporate services at North Yorkshire County Council, said: “The new development at Belle Vue Mills will allow both Craven District Council and North Yorkshire County Council to work together in a highly-effective way to ensure the continued provision of first class services while enjoying the efficiency benefits of sharing office accommodation.”

Rushbond Group is an award-winning Yorkshire property company which specialises in the refurbishment of heritage buildings.