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News • July 24th, 2026
|Dudleys Consulting Engineers has officially begun work on a new £3.3 million headquarters for the North York Moors National Park Authority (NYMNPA) in the picturesque village of Helmsley. This exciting project aims to consolidate the Authority's existing offices into a single, more efficient location, allowing the team to better serve local communities and protect the stunning landscapes of the North York Moors.
New Facility Features
Designed by Bowman Riley Architects, the new headquarters will be a modern facility equipped for hybrid working, which means it will support both in-person and remote work. Key features of the building include:
Open-plan workstations for collaborative working
Meeting rooms for discussions and planning
Breakout areas for relaxation and informal meetings
A large committee room for public meetings
Welfare and storage facilities for the NYM rangers
Parking for electric vehicles, fleet vehicles, and bicycles
This design reflects the Authority's commitment to sustainability and modern working practices, ensuring that staff have a comfortable and functional environment.
Construction Progress
The groundwork for the new headquarters is already underway, with OGL Construction, the main contractor, currently laying the foundations. Preparation work has been completed, and the project is moving forward smoothly. Dudleys has played a crucial role since the early stages of the project, providing essential design input and civil engineering services.
According to Paul Brownlow, Director at Dudleys Consulting Engineers:
“We are pleased to see work begin on site for this important project, which has taken several years to reach this stage. Having delivered the adjacent housing development a few years ago, we know the site well and can help accelerate the groundworks to keep the structural programme on track.”
Engineering Details
The new building will feature a robust steel-frame structure, using around 55 tonnes of hot-rolled steelwork to support a first-floor composite concrete deck. This construction method is similar to how large buildings are often built, providing strength and stability. The foundations will be traditional pad and strip types, which are designed to distribute the weight of the building evenly.
In keeping with the local architecture, the external façade will be made from locally sourced Witton Fell sandstone, combining modern design with traditional materials to create a building that fits beautifully into its surroundings.
Environmental Considerations
As part of the project, Dudleys has designed an effective drainage system to manage rainwater. This system will use a combination of permeable paving and a below-ground attenuation tank. This means that rainwater will be absorbed by the ground and stored before it is released into the local sewer network, helping to prevent flooding and protect the environment.
Completion Timeline
The new headquarters is expected to be completed in 2027, giving the NYMNPA a modern and efficient base from which to operate. This new facility will not only provide a better working environment for staff but also enhance the Authority's ability to engage with the community and promote the conservation of the North York Moors.
This development is an essential part of the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the natural beauty of the North York Moors, a treasured national park that attracts visitors from near and far. The new headquarters will enable the Authority to continue its important work in maintaining the area's landscapes, wildlife, and heritage.
