WORK is due to begin on Monday on the £15m development to create 14 luxury homes and a restaurant at the site of York's old fire station.

The scheme spearheaded by Monks Cross property developer The Helmsley Group is expected to complete by Christmas next year.

Max Reeves, associate director with The Helmsley Group, said: “The new homes we’re building at The Old Fire Station look set to create a new benchmark for residential values in York.

“Within easy walking distance of York’s shops and attractions, the homes will also boast views of the River Ouse to the south and of Clifford’s Tower to the north.

“We expect this amazing project to be completed in December 2018 and we’re anticipating strong interest from buyers as this kind of opportunity is so rare.”

Chris de Whytell, contracts manager at Caddick Construction, which is carrying out the work, added: “Work will start on site later this month and residents can expect to see changes fairly quickly, as the first phase will include the partial demolition of the old fire station and the creation of a temporary structure to support the sections of the building that will be retained.

“This initial phase will take about six weeks, and the team will then begin the intensive process of installing piles to support the new building foundations.

“Due to the building’s location by the river, concrete piles 45cm in diameter will be driven 20 metres into the ground to ensure stability.”

The first phase of the development will see a fabricated steel structure supporting the historic chapel façade, which is to be retained.

There were objections from Historic England and the York Civic Trust to the original proposed demolition of facades of the1856 chapel and former Sunday school. Other buildings along the river behind the fire station have been demolished.

The fire service moved into a purpose-built centre in Kent Street,

The project is a joint venture between The Helmsley Group and London Ebor Developments. Caddick Construction is acting as contractor.