January 2026
Members of the North York Moors National Park Authority have voted in favour of building a new, purpose-built headquarters on land off Riccal Drive, Helmsley, marking a major milestone in a four-year review of the Authority’s property portfolio.
The decision on Monday 19 January follows extensive investigation, consultation and scrutiny that began in March 2021, when Members agreed to review the condition, suitability and long-term sustainability of the National Park Authority’s properties. That review was driven by the deteriorating condition of the existing offices and Ranger depot, the shift to more flexible and collaborative working, and the Authority’s commitment to decarbonising its operations.
After considering a wide range of options, including refurbishing existing buildings, leasing alternative premises and relocating, Members concluded that moving to a new, purpose-built headquarters in Helmsley offers the best long-term solution.
The new headquarters will replace the National Park Authority’s current offices at the Old Vicarage on Bondgate, a listed building that requires significant and unavoidable investment simply to remain operational. There are also fundamental limitations around accessibility, layout and energy efficiency.
The Riccal Drive scheme will provide a modern, accessible and flexible workplace designed around 21st-century, hybrid and collaborative ways of working. The building will include open-plan workspaces, a range of meeting and quiet rooms, improved facilities for staff and visitors, and technology designed to support future needs.
Crucially, the new headquarters has been designed to support the Authority’s climate commitments. It is expected to achieve an A+ energy performance rating, operate without fossil fuels, and generate renewable electricity on site through solar panels, helping the National Park meet its target of being net zero by 2030. Provision will also be made for electric vehicle charging, cycle storage and improved parking, reducing pressure on residential streets.
A detailed business case assessed two main options: a full refurbishment of the Old Vicarage or relocation to a new building on Riccal Drive. Using financial modelling over a 40-year period, the analysis showed that while both options involve significant investment, the new headquarters marginally represents better value for money over the long term, while delivering far greater benefits in terms of accessibility, staff wellbeing, operational efficiency and carbon reduction.
As part of the wider property review, Members have previously agreed to repurpose a building known as the Old Print Works in Helmsley (also located off Riccal Drive), as a permanent depot for the Volunteer and Ranger team, with this work already significantly underway.
Tom Hind, Chief Executive of the North York Moors National Park Authority, said:
“This has been a long, careful and transparent process, and Members have weighed up the financial, environmental and organisational impacts in detail.
“The decision to build a new headquarters in Helmsley secures a modern, accessible and low-carbon base for our staff, supports new ways of working, and represents a responsible long-term investment of public money.”
The project was originally granted planning permission by North Yorkshire Council in January 2025, and has been developed with ongoing engagement from staff, Members, local residents and partner organisations. Subject to contract finalisation, construction is expected to begin once all pre-commencement conditions are discharged.
The Authority will continue to keep local communities and stakeholders informed as the project progresses.
ENDS
Media contacts
Nina Beadle, Communications Officer, North York Moors National Park Authority
press@northyorkmoors.org.uk
01439 772700
The North York Moors National Park
The North York Moors is a beautiful landscape of stunning moorland, ancient woodland and historic sites. Created on 28 November 1952, it became Britain’s sixth national park. Covering an area of 554 square miles (1,436 square kilometres) the National Park has 26 miles of coastline, two national nature reserves, 840 Scheduled Monuments and over 3,000 listed buildings, attracting an estimated 8.4 million visitors a year.
The National Park has two visitor centres, Danby Lodge National Park Centre and Sutton Bank National Park Centre, providing opportunities for cycling, walking, eating, picnicking, shopping, crafts and wildlife-watching. The centre in Danby also houses the Inspired by… gallery, which features regularly changing exhibitions by artists who draw their inspiration from the North York Moors.