THE former York headquarters of Shepherd Construction has gone on the market, with agents saying it represents a "substantial development opportunity".

Frederick House, a 41,478 sq ft office block next to York Police Station in Fulford Road, was bought by Shepherd in about 1980, and up to 300 people worked there at its peak.

But the last staff had moved out by September 2015 and now both Shepherd Building Group and Shepherd Construction Limited companies are based on the Portakabin site in Huntington, said a spokeswoman.

She said Frederick House was a former Record Office of Cavalry Barracks and was currently leased until the end of September to another firm, Wates. “The building is in the process of being vacated by Wates,” she added.

A Wates spokeswoman said the firm’s York staff had been relocated from two separate sites - Frederick House and another building in Mill Mount - to one location, former Aviva offices at Moorside, Monks Cross.

Savills, which is marketing Frederick House, said the total site was more than two acres and also included a smaller building fronting directly onto Fulford Road, known as The Guard House, comprising about 6,000 sq ft on two floors.

“There are approximately 220 car parking spaces across the whole site,” it said. “To the east of the site there is an area of surplus car parking, which would be suitable for the development of additional accommodation, subject to planning.

“Subject to the necessary consent, the site would be suitable to a number of uses, including redevelopment to residential via permitted development rights or redevelopment to a student or care scheme.”

It said an indicative scheme was available to interested parties comprising a total of 75 units - 41 in the main office building and six in the guard house, together with a further 28 new build units to the east of the site. “The area is highly regarded, commanding premium residential values,” it added.

Savills’ website said the guide price for the site was available on request, but when asked by The Press for the figure, a spokeswoman said its client preferred not to disclose this.

She added: “The site, which is available on a freehold basis, is being offered for sale by informal tender with offers being sought on an unconditional, conditional and joint venture basis.”

Matthew Jones, development director at Savills Leeds, said the site was situated in an "incredibly popular residential area of York, particularly sought after by families and in an area with increasing appeal amongst professionals. Due to its location, we anticipate a huge amount of interest from both local and national developers,” he added.