THE redevelopment of a former city centre office building into apartments is set to include three new mews houses and the relocation of public toilets.

The Skelwith Group, which is working on converting Roman House in Rougier Street into 47 apartments, has agreed with City of York Council to relocate the public toilets from Tanner Row into Rougier Street.

The move is aimed at improving the street scene along Tanner Row, while allowing for the provision of more modern public facilities.

In place of the toilets Skelwith will build three new mews houses in Tanner Row, with a planning application for both under consideration with the council.

Along with the three new mews houses, Skelwith has also submitted a planning application to create a courtyard at the back of Roman house, incorporating three more apartments on the ground floor of the building.

Paul Ellis, managing director of Skelwith, said: "Since acquiring the building, we have been working closely with the council to improve the area and general environment around our development.

"The new toilets will be a great improvement for everyone and we welcome the council’s plans to replace the bus shelters on the building. These, along with our redesigned courtyard at the back of Roman House will ensure that the whole area will look better and act as a catalyst for further regeneration.

“Both we and the council agree that replacing the toilets with new homes will further improve the street scene, making it a more active and pleasant place for pedestrians.

“The interest and sales we have achieved for the apartments has exceeded our expectations and highlights the strength of the York market at the moment.”

Currently shell completion works are at an advanced stage and are do to be completed in the coming weeks.

The new toilets will be located next to the current newsagent retail unit in Rougier Street and will be run by Healthmatic on behalf of the council.

Skelwith bought the 35,000 sq ft Roman House from insurance giant Aviva in September 2013 after it became surplus to the insurance company’s office requirements.