HUNDREDS of jobs could be created if an historic stately home is converted and expanded.

Rushbond Plc today unveiled an ambitious plan to set up a hotel and business park at Bretton Hall.

The development of the Grade II listed building in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) could create 400 jobs.

Rushbond managing director Jonathan Maud predicted that the conversion would create a “truly stunning” venue.

“We have worked closely with our partners to create a plan for the Bretton Hall scheme that will add to the YSP’s already exceptional offer,” he said.

“The submission of the planning application is an important milestone in our shared vision sympathetically to transform Bretton Hall into a truly stunning hotel and business park opportunity, in a unique landscape, that will attract new businesses to the region and create long term sustainable employment.”

The first phase of the scheme would create a 77-bedroom luxury hotel and 39,000sq ft of refurbished pavilion-style office accommodation at the stately home.

Rushbond plans to make room for another 43 bedrooms and 61,000sq ft of office space by building a new wing.

Overall, the development could generate up to 400 new jobs.

The hotel could be used for conferences and weddings. There are also plans to set up a spa at the site.

YSP executive director Peter Murray believes the conversion plan will help the park.

“We are very excited about the plan, that will safeguard Bretton Hall’s future and complement the unique role and setting of YSP,” he said.

“The development will allow YSP to become an exceptional place to stay and work, as well as being an extraordinary place to visit and experience world-class art, set within 500 acres of historic landscape.”

Wakefield District Council bought Bretton Hall from the University of Leeds in 2006.

Council leader Clr Peter Box said yesterday: “This is an important and exciting project for Wakefield that will provide the city with a much-needed luxury hotel, helping to create jobs and investment in the business sector.

“We look forward to seeing the plans becoming a reality.”

Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Gary Verity believes the Bretton Hall development could be a boost for the whole county.

“Yorkshire performs on an international stage and the planned investment at YSP will further our reputation for creating world-class attractions, setting the county apart from other destinations in the UK and Europe,” he said.

Rushbond submitted a planning application for the conversion and expansion on July 16.

If permission is granted, work would begin in February next year. The hotel and the first phase of the business park would be ready to open in late 2014.