A YORK headquartered apart-hotel operator is expanding its portfolio following a £2.8 million investment in a former office building.

The Lawrance Luxury Apart-Hotel group has acquired 45 Tanner Row, off Micklegate, and has already started work converting the three-storey building into 13 holiday apartments.

Due for completion in the autumn, the apartments will be in addition to the firm’s original site in York and 19 serviced apartments in Harrogate, spread over three central locations.

The Lawrance launched its apart-hotel concept nearly five years ago in a neighbouring building on Micklegate, where it offers 14 apartments and Café74.

Simon Bullock, a director at The Lawrance, said: “Our unique offering, which combines contemporary and centrally located fashionable apartments with exceptional customer service, has proved to be a huge success with business and leisure travellers alike.

“As a result our occupancy levels currently stand at more than 90 per cent and we’re regularly fully booked, which influenced our decision to grow the business further.

“45 Tanner Row is a stunning building that’s full of character in a key conservation area and is approximately 100 metres from our existing site, which made it the ideal property for us to expand into.

“All the apartments will be finished to a superb specification with full kitchens, chic dining areas and stylish lounges, as well as all the extras that discerning travellers expect such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screens and iPod docks.

“We’re really looking forward to launching it.”

The Lawrance was advised on its acquisition of the property, which covers 7,500sq ft, by Yorkshire law firm LCF Barber Titleys.