PLANS for a £50m scheme to breathe new life into Ripon, and create dozens of jobs, have been revealed.

The new owners of the former university campus in the city have unveiled proposals to revitalise the site and bring a boost to the local economy.

Highstone Estates is hoping that Harrogate borough councillors will give the go-ahead to its scheme, which would provide hundreds of new homes, an expansion of conference facilities, a courtyard-style restaurant, a private health club and public sports facilities.

Existing homes would be refurbished to provide 84 apartments, and there are also plans to build 72 town houses and two apartment blocks.

Premises for two small businesses are being proposed for the college business park, and a 50-bedroom nursing home is planned.

The proposals are being masterminded by Highstone managing director Richard Sykes, son of local businessman Paul Sykes.

He said: "We have great vision for Highfield Park, the new name for the former college campus site.

"The development, which will be a combination of new-build and refurbished properties, will demonstrate our ability to integrate commercial, educational and residential ventures for the economic benefit of residents and the city.

"We specialise in the acquisition and sensitive development of unusual or historic sites, and we are extraordinarily well placed to carry out the successful redevelopment of the former Ripon campus."

He said they were consulting with the council, English Heritage and the conservation department, so that planning approval could be granted with a view to an immediate start on site. Work could be completed within two years.

Liverpool Hope University has already announced its intention to offer postgraduate certificates in education from the old teaching block, and children's nursery operator Kindercare has revealed plans to open a 100-place nursery on the site.