UP to 100 new jobs could be created at a major new expansion of the business centre located in the grounds of Broughton Hall.

The Tempest family, owners of Broughton Hall since the 12th century, are about to start the first new building work on the estate in 100 years.

When completed, the new development will create the potential for 100 new jobs on the estate where more than 350 people already work, many in hi-tech industries.

The development will be on land adjoining Broughton Hall.

It will be the latest in a series of developments in the grounds which have spread over the past 16 years, starting originally with the conversion of a stable block.

The last major project was five years ago with the conversion of historic listed buildings and a large watermill complex.

The latest expansion will bring the total industrial floorspace to almost 100,000sq ft.

Estate manager David Aynesworth said: "The business park has been a phenomenal success and so we are looking ahead to this expansion with confidence.

"We have already had a great deal of interest from large companies, many of whom are large household names."

The new development is being built in traditional materials and in a style to match the existing buildings.

The business park, the inspiration of Roger Tempest, has won several national awards for the complementary nature of the conversions of old buildings.

Mr Aynesworth said the park was ideally situated on the A59 with easy access to the M65, M1 and M6 motorways.

There were five million people within one hour's drive of the estate, he said, and it was attracting many companies wanting to escape to out-of-town locations.

Jonathan French, North Yorkshire County Council economic development officer, said: "Broughton Hall estate has become a major centre of employment for Craven and its success in attracting a wide range of quality businesses is reflected across the country."

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