PLANS to reopen a Grade II listed hotel in North Yorkshire have been revealed to councillors from across the county.

The historic Talbot Hotel was closed last year by English Rose Hotels, but a major investment from the Fitzwilliam Estate could see the redeveloped hotel open again from early next year.

Roddy Bushell, Fitzwilliam Estate manager, said he hoped the hotel would earn a three AA red stars, two rosettes that attracts wealthy visitors to the area. Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome To Yorkshire, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to create a flagship hotel in Malton and I am delighted to offer the full support of Welcome to Yorkshire.

“The hotel, as a business, will create jobs for local people, both directly and indirectly, while making a significant contribution to the local economy.”

Developers held an open meeting for Ryedale District councillors and town councillors from Malton and Norton Hotel consultant Iain Shelton said: “The development will put the Talbot back on the map.”

“We will appoint a top chef and food will come from local farms and suppliers. We want to encourage the racing community to stay in Malton itself as well as attracting the high end leisure market that brings additional revenue to the area. And we want to make the Talbot the focus for local socialising, weddings and events.”