A FIRM of solicitors has completed a £1.2 million refurbishment of its offices in a bid to make York its flagship site for the company.

Langleys has completed a nine month project to renovate its head office in Queens House, on the corner of Micklegate and Skeldergate, which is home to more than 190 staff.

Having originally established itself as a legal practice in Lincoln, Langleys moved to York in 1987, taking occupancy in Kings Square, before moving to Queen House in 1995.

Initially taking office space on the second floor, Langleys has grown to occupy the entire building, which has since become the head office for the firm.

Langleys’ managing partner David Thompson said: "We wanted a landmark building that is appropriate for a Top 100 law firm, which is what we are working towards from our position as 101.

"We tried looking for other alternatives but we came back to this building as it offered us everything we wanted in terms of space, and location close the train station, as we have clients visiting from all over the country.

"We are a major employer in York and Langleys’ investment in Queens House demonstrates our commitment to the city."

The first and second floors have been renovated to create an open plan office environment and a series of new meeting rooms, while the reception has been relocated from the second to the first floor.

The refurbishment also includes energy-efficient features including a new heating and air conditioning system.

Local contractors were appointed for the project, including Simpson (York), with all the old furniture donated to local charities.