A LONG established York based electrical business founded more than 80 years ago has relocated into new, purpose built premises at Monks Cross.

Electrical contractor and retailer Herbert Todd & Son’s new building has been developed by York-based S Harrison and offers 10,000 square feet of showroom and warehouse space complete with a workshop area, office space and parking.

The completion of the build means S Harrison will soon start work redeveloping Herbert Todd’s previous premises in Percy’s Lane, close to York city centre, which will become living environment for 106 students.

David Todd, a director at Herbert Todd & Son, said: “This new building gives us a prominent shopfront in a popular retail area with high levels of footfall and we’re already receiving excellent feedback from our customers following the move.

“It also means we can continue growing as a business and expanding our product range and marks a major milestone in our long history.”

Herbert Todd & Son was founded in 1936 and sells electrical appliances and equipment ranging from televisions and entertainment systems through to kitchen appliances and white goods. The company also has dedicated repair and rental divisions.

Steve McManaman from S Harrison, said: “We’re delighted that work on this building has been completed and to have handed it over to Herbert Todd & Son.

“It offers a superb retail environment, where the business can thrive, and is a major step-change from its previous industrial style premises on Percy’s Lane, which had become hidden away from passing trade by residential developments in recent years.

“We’re now looking forward to replacing this building with a stunning student accommodation scheme that is much more in keeping with the surrounding streetscape in this key conservation area.”

The new development will be owned and managed by Empiric Student Property, which operates premium student accommodation schemes across the UK, and work will complete in time for the start of the 2018/19 academic year.

It will consist of a mix of one, three, five and six bedroom en-suite apartments and townhouses and also include study space, a games room, gym, cinema, common room and courtyard area.