THE first residents have moved into a delay-hit development in York six months behind schedule.

As The Press reported earlier this year, the companies behind transform - ing the former derelict Shipton Street School in Clifton apologised to buyers, who were initially due to move into their new homes in November last year, but faced lengthy delays before they could.

The old Grade II-listed school build - ings and grounds have been trans - formed into 38 new, unique Eco homes called Bootham Green by developers Rushbond and Advent Developments, and sold off plan within months.

Speaking on behalf of the developers, Chris Hildreth, said: “Bootham Green has really hit the mark with buyers looking for a home within walking distance of York city centre.

“The scheme’s green credentials, extensive landscaped areas and superb mix of old and new has really appealed and we are delighted to see the first residents moving in.”

Dominic Collenso, his wife Laura and four-month-old daughter Nell were one of the first families to move in and said the “lovely” home was better than they expected.

They said: “As soon as we heard about the innovative plans for the old school we knew that we wanted to find out more. Once we had seen the computer- generated imagery of Bootham Green we decided to put down a deposit.

“Now that it is complete our home is even better than we expected.

“The converted former school build - ing has created a really unique, light living space, which opens onto a lovely garden.”

Ben Hudson, managing partner at Hudson Moody, the estate agents responsible for marketing the scheme, said there was great interest in the development.

He said: “What sets Bootham Green apart from other new homes develop - ments is the unique design and attrac - tive combination of character and style of contemporary new build and conversion homes.

“Having received over 400 enquiries within the first few months of launch - ing the development, we always knew that Bootham Green would become one of York’s biggest success stories.

“We have gone to great lengths to respect the original buildings whilst enhancing the whole streetscape through the new-build element.”