A MAJOR boutique hotel chain plans to take over a former office building in the centre of York, it has been revealed.

Malmaison could soon be opening a hotel in Yorkshire House, on Rougier Street - one of York's most prominent office blocks over the last 50 years.

It was until recently occupied by Aviva. The insurance company announced last summer that it wanted to sell the building and planned to convert it into 48 flats.

Now new plans have emerged that could bring another 124-bed hotel and 49 serviced suites into York, and create as many as 90 new jobs.

Richard Jackson is the chairman of Yorkshire Ventures, the development company behind the plans.

He said: "We’re delighted to announce our plans to transform Yorkshire House into a stylish new city centre hotel and are thrilled that Malmaison will be the operator.

"The proposals will deliver a significant boost to the city’s economy and could create between 80 and 90 new employment opportunities once the hotel is operational, plus additional construction jobs during the conversion of the building. Significantly, the plans will also breathe new life into an important gateway site into the city centre."

In December Malmaison's chief executive Paul Roberts spoke of his company's plans for a new hotel in Yorkshire, which would represent a major investment in the market.

Mr Jackson added: "York is one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations and there is a demand for more accommodation in the city centre. The addition of the prestigious Malmaison boutique hotel brand will only help to enhance York’s offer in this department, attracting more visitors to stay in the city centre. We will keep the public updated on the plans in due course."

The news has been welcomed by business leaders in the city, with with the managing director of destination management company Make it York hailing Malmaison's interest as a major step for the tourism industry.

He said: "There has been massive investment in hotel stock in York in recent months and the addition of the Malmaison is another encouraging and positive development. It is a great brand to be bringing to the city and further improves the quality of accommodation that York can offer. Tourism is tremendously important for the city, for jobs and for the economy, and this is a big boost for the sector."

The proposals, which will soon be submitted to City of York Council, include a rear extension to the building, as well as minor alterations to the front to allow for an enhanced entrance to be provided.

The top of the building will also be reconfigured to accommodate the existing plant and a number of the proposed suites.