A FIRST tenant has moved into the latest phase of offices at Monks Cross, Huntington - buildings officially opened by the Duke of York last November.

IT firm Trustmarque Solutions, which employs 75 people, has moved to 10,000sq ft premises within the £9 million Alpha scheme.

Of the seven high-specification Alpha offices at Monks Cross North, two are now being legally processed for sale - one to a financial services company, the other to a property group. Four offices remain for lease or for sale, ranging in size from 5,000 sq ft to 12,250 sq ft.

Trustmarque Solutions supplies software licensing and associated services to public sector organisations such as the NHS and local government departments.

Until now the company's operations have been split between venues at Clifton Moor, York - at Systems House off Amy Johnson Way where it has based its administration, accounts, storage, distribution and software - and its call centre, Sentry House, at Aviator Court. Now all Trustmarque Solutions' operations are under one roof.

Managing director Ross Miller said: "We are a fast growing organisation and had outgrown our premises at Clifton Moor. We wanted a building with more facilities and Alpha fitted the bill with air conditioning, secure parking and Monks Cross Shopping Park on our doorstep.

"The location couldn't be better. Being nearer to the A64 means that almost all our car-using staff have a shorter and easier journey to work and the bus service is very good too."

Richard Peak, director of the Helmsley Group and spokesman for the Monks Cross Partnership, which is developing the Monks Cross North business park, said: "Alpha was developed speculatively for sale or let and all seven units have received high levels of interest, not only from local businesses, but also organisations located outside the area.

"We are confident that the high specification of the offices and the attraction of York as a business centre will mean that we will soon be able to announce that Alpha is full."

The Alpha scheme is the latest phase of development of the £60 million business park at Monks Cross North, which also comprises purpose-built offices for Norwich Union Life. Planning permission is being sought for further smaller office units and amenities.

Updated: 11:48 Tuesday, February 17, 2004