A BUSINESSMAN is to build a multi-million pound events arena and exhibition centre on the outskirts of Pickering.

The scheme, being promoted by Simon Boak, who is responsible for staging several big annual events in the area including the annual Northern Steam Traction Engine and Steam Fair, said the new venture will be known as the Northern Events Arena.

It has been given full approval by Ryedale District Council for a site at the Showfield in Malton Road and will include a main exhibition hall, cafe-restaurant, an arena and other facilities.

Bramhall Blenkham, the architectural design firm which has produced the scheme for Mr Boak, told the committee in a report: "The objective of the proposal is that the Northern Events Area will act as a flagship for the area, raising the profile and generating genuine economic benefit."

Councillor Helen Schroeder said: "The choice is: do we want our market towns to be vibrant or do we let them stagnate and die?"

She believed the scheme would be of economic advantage to northern Ryedale.

Gary Housden the council's planning manager said: "A lot of thought has gone into the landscaping of this site".

He said following the committee's approval, the scheme would have to be referred to the Government office as a departure from the blueprint for Ryedale.