YORK developer S Harrison has started work on the final phase of a mixed use residential and retail development in the city centre.

Work is now underway upgrading the ground floor units of Hunter House in Goodramgate.

Developer S Harrison has employed construction firm Roberts to carry out the eight week refurbishment programme.

The upper floors of the Grade II listed building, which is just 120 metres from York Minster, have already been transformed into 14, one and two bedroom apartments by the company.

Once work is complete on the ground floor, it is hoped by developers it will appeal to a wide range of retailers and leisure operators.

David Clancy from S Harrison, said: “We are making a number of sympathetic alterations to the ground floor of Hunter House in order to create units that are of a shape and size that will appeal to lots of businesses.

“The three existing units will be altered to create two new ones, with an empty room on the first floor being integrated into one of the apartments.

“Current tenant, Savers, will move back into its refurbished premises around the third week of August, and all of the work is due to be completed by September.

“We are confident that the open plan layout of the available 3,600 sq ft unit will appeal to a variety of businesses seeking premises in a landmark, historic building with high levels of passing footfall.”

Hunter House was previously home to department store Hunter and Smallpage.

Mr Clancy added: “We have been determined to remain true to the building’s heritage and architecture while also making sure we can create a viable future for all of the space. The apartments have been very well received, with just two remaining for sale, and the newly upgraded commercial accommodation on the ground floor will complete the successful transformation of this 18th century building.”