THERE is more than a healthy interest in the final phase of York Science Park in Heslington.

As already reported in the Evening Press, the Strategic Health Authority plans to take 12,000 sq ft of offices, leaving 45,000 sq ft available for sale or to let.

But Jamie Wheldon, associate director of DTZ Debenham Tie Leung, agents for York Science Park Ltd - the joint venture between the University of York and P & O Developments - reports "significant interest" in the yet-to-be-built project.

He said: "The interest is largely from the health sector - possibly attracted by the university's reputation for excellence in the field of health economics and other related areas.

"They are also assured by the huge success of the Smith & Nephew research laboratories on the Science Park and the way it has interacted with the university as well as the growing interaction between bioscience and IT ventures in the area."No date has yet been revealed for the work on the new offices to begin, but Mr Wheldon says that in view of the level of interest I've no doubt that activity will begin soon. Completed in the latest phase was the massive building for Ioko 365, Providence House and new offices for Yorkshire Housing Association

Updated: 09:02 Tuesday, May 21, 2002