THE former York headquarters of Shepherd Construction has been sold, just three months after going on the market.

Agents have declined to say who has bought Frederick House or what they plan to do with the 41,478 sq ft office block, situated next to York Police Station in Fulford Road.

“There is a confidentiality clause in the contract I’m afraid, so we are unable to comment or provide further details,” said a spokeswoman for Savills, which also previously declined to disclose the guide price for the site.

However, when the firm was marketing the property earlier in the summer, it said that subject to the necessary consent, it 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, adding: “The area is highly regarded, commanding premium residential values.”

Fishergate councillor Andy D’Agorne told The Press that he was concerned about the potential loss of good quality jobs from the area, as well as the traffic impact during and after construction.

“We are already losing Minster Law from the nearby Hospital Fields and, longer term, there is the plan to close Imphal Barracks which will have a big impact on local businesses and work available locally,” he said.

He said there was also a need to protect historic woodland at Walmgate Stray, which was an important part of the green corridor running from the Green Belt into the heart of the city.

Drainage would also be a key issue to avoid adding to surface water problems in the area and protect the hydrology of the stray, he added.

The office block, a former record office of Cavalry Barracks, was bought by Shepherd in about 1980, and up to 300 people worked there at its peak.

Shepherd Building Group and Shepherd Construction Limited companies are now based at the Portakabin site in Huntington.