A SCHEME to give a run-down York office block a £2 million revamp has been given the go-ahead by planners.

The plan to renovate Prudential House, next to the Odeon cinema, in Blossom Street, has been approved by City of York councillors.

Work on the project is due to get under way in the New Year and property development firm The Helmsley Group and its clients, the Blossom Street Venture, say it will take 12 months to complete.

Helmsley director Richard Peak said the scheme will turn an eyesore into an "architecturally stunning" building.

Earlier this year a spokmesman for The Helmsley Group described the office block as "the second ugliest in the city", with only Stonebow House being a greater eyesore.

The facelift for the 1960s building will include work to create a modern glass and wood frontage.

A new top floor will increase its size from 32,000sq ft to almost 40,000sq ft, and its owners say it will house up to 350 workers when it is finished.

The building was acquired by Venture in 1999 and has been occupied by a series of rail-related companies.

It is currently home to staff of Network Rail, who are preparing to move to new premises in nearby Jarvis House, in Toft Green.

The rail firm bought the building's lease, along with other Jarvis properties, in a £25 million deal last year.

Mr Peak said the refurbishment will also feature environmentally-friendly features, including a Sedum grass roof to reduce the run-off of rainwater.

He said: "With our recent success of the newly developed Meridian 2 building, in part of Prudential House's former car park, we intend to mirror its design when we refurbish Prudential House.

"Our original plans have been amended in line with the council's recommendations for an architecturally-stunning building, which will look absolutely fantastic.

"The refurbishment and office extension of Prudential House will provide up-to-date office space for over 350 staff and the attractive location will have tenants queuing up to move in."

Updated: 10:02 Tuesday, December 13, 2005