WORK is under way on a £5 million city centre redevelopment project which will see a Grade II listed building become 14 new apartments.

The Hunter House scheme, in Goodramgate, marks further collaboration between two York firms after developer S Harrison Developments, based in Bishopthorpe Road, appointed Osbaldwick based construction and restoration specialist William Anelay to carry out the works.

S Harrison won planning approval in January to convert the disused office space on the upper floors of Hunter House to create 14 new apartments for sale. In addition to the four one-bed and ten two-bed apartments, the project will retain 9000sq ft of retail space on the ground floor and at basement level.

S Harrison director David Clancy said : “Our new design respects the heritage of the building and involves only minimal alterations to the exterior. Inside we are minimising any alterations to the existing fabric while creating a range of stylish and individual apartments.”

The two respected York companies worked together recently on the redevelopment of the former Poads Building and Press offices in Walmgate.

William Anelay’s chairman Charles Anelay said: “It is exactly the kind of project on which we excel. Its city centre location, with its restricted access, brings its own challenges but we have built our reputation on a combination of technical expertise, sensitivity to heritage and a considerate approach to neighbours during construction. “Together, we will sympathetically and sensitively give this important building a new lease of life.”

Work began this week on site and is expected to be completed during 2015. The apartments are being marketed by York agent Hudson Moody.

Harrison’s acquisition of Hunter House is one of a number of new schemes across the region for the York developer. Harrison recently announced it had acquired a high profile site in Leeds for residential development and it is looking at further opportunities.