A MAJOR York construction company has moved to a new, supergreen headquarters after outgrowing its old home.

The move by Simpson (York) Ltd to Dunnington has also led to the creation of a new business park offering new office space and industrial units.

Hassacarr Business Park at Dunnington has nine offices and ten industrial units available, created out of redundant and obsolete industrial buildings.

Andrew Hedley, of York-based Blacks Property Consultants, said initial enquiries had been led by businesses in the contracting sector which were looking for small but “statement” buildings.

Simpsons, which provides both a national fitting-out service for major retailers and a regional construction arm, and employs almost 200 people, was previously based in Osbaldwick. Mr Hedley said despite numerous extensions, the HQ was eventually outgrown, and it now occupies three times as much space in its 13,000 sq ft new offices, with the development stabilising employment levels.

Ron Gatenby, Simpson chairman, said he was delighted with the move and also by the way it was such a sustainable development.

He said: “Our main reception includes a wall mounted permanent energy display unit highlighting the power generated, CO2 saved and the total energy generated, indicating how real this efficiency energy initiative is.”

Mr Gatenby said the building also featured a biomass boiler, providing heating and hot water by utilizing wood waste – previously destined for landfill – from the adjacent Simpson Joinery Workshop.

There were also photovoltaic roof panels, obtaining energy from sunlight and converting it into electrical energy which fuelled the office air-conditioning and ventilation system.

Underground rainwater storage had been installed to provide water for the toilet systems, and auto sensor lighting and shading to windows.

“As a major name in the construction industry, we were keen to make a positive statement on sustainability and this we have done,” he said.

“I am particularly pleased with the recognition that we have already received in gaining a ‘very good’ energy assessment rating, as this recognised the investment and initiatives we have incorporated into the building, some of which received funding from the Low Carbon Trust.

“To have found a site adjoining our existing joinery workshop was particularly pleasing and an added advantage to us. To have our valued team, many of whom have been with us for many years, operating in the superb environment that we have created here in York is very important to us.”