A YORK city centre shop and office complex is expected to fetch at least £3 million when it goes under the hammer at auction this week.

That is the guide price that has been put on a property in Market Street which goes up for sale on Wednesday in London.

The building, which fronts on to both Market Street and Feasegate, has provided a rare opportunity to buy a large chunk of commercial property in the city centre - and potential investors are looking to grasp the chance with both hands.

Located in a conservation area, the building is home to Kelly recruitment services, the Early Learning Centre and the Isobel Dunn School of Dancing.

It has a basement, ground and two upper floors and provides two shop units. There is also self-contained accommodation above.

Property auctioneers Allsops are handling the auction, which will take place at The Berkeley Hotel, in London.

Andrew Hedley, property expert at Blacks in York, said the price of the property was relative to its importance in the city.

He added that properties in Coney Street had been sold for considerably more because of the rents that could be charged there, but he said this property was likely to exceed its guide price.

Updated: 11:05 Monday, March 22, 2004