There are concerns that extensions to the Treadmills site in Northallerton will ruin the look of the original historic prison buildings – but Hambleton District Council has moved to allay doubts, explaining that metalwork currently being installed will pave the way for hospitality businesses.

Metal structures joining some of the original listed buildings on the historic former prison site have prompted concerns from local residents. The prison site contains five listed buildings.

This week as the metal basework was being erected on the site, a resident contacted the Darlington and Stockton Times to express concern.

They protested: "What on earth is this going to be? Right in front of the old building, it's really going to ruin the look of it."

Darlington and Stockton Times:

The Treadmills development has been built through Hambleton District Council across the old prison site, with the original listed buildings incorporated into the scheme, which includes shops, offices and a new cinema.

A spokesman for Hambleton District Council said: "The extensions to the listed building known as Block D have always been part of the overall design concept for Treadmills, they were consulted upon and included in the original plans in 2018.

"The two extensions, one facing Crosby Road and one facing the Treadmills public square will help create a usable space. The design carefully considers the original building whilst also ensuring that the space is attractive for a tenant, which we expect to be a restaurant or cafe. The extensions will predominantly consist of glass and therefore preserve the character of the original building."

The site operated as the prison for the area from 1788 until December 2013, complete with a treadmill which had to be operated by prisoners in the 19th Century.