DEVELOPERS of the new £32 million City of York Council headquarters have named a Yorkshire company as their main contractor, with the promise of local jobs.

The Leeds-based arm of Miller Construction will start work within weeks on the multi-million pound headquarters and customer centre at West Offices.

Developers York Investors LLP, made up of S Harrison and Buccleuch Property, selected Miller based on factors including price, experience and commitment to sourcing labour and skills locally.

Steve McManaman, operations manager of the Miller Construction team, said: “This is an exciting project for us and we are very much looking forward to restoring the heritage of the building and creating a welcoming and accessible Customer Centre and workspace.

“This project provides us with the opportunity to employ local firms and people to work with us, bringing huge economic benefits to the community and local economy.”

The council hopes to save £17 million over the next 25 years by moving to the new offices.

Bill Woolley, the council’s director of city strategy, said: “We are pleased to see the start of construction works to transform York’s original railway station to the council’s new customer centre and headquarters providing an opportunity for the project to bring employment opportunities and financial savings to the authority at no additional cost to York residents.”

The developers and contractors will attend the next ward meeting in February, when work is due to be underway, and will liaise with local community groups, schools and colleges throughout the build programme.