SERVICED apartments are not a new concept, but the idea is new to York and we welcome their introduction.

>>> ARTICLE: Work on York's first aparthotel to start next week

There is one concern, though, because the building will be sited next to the Barbican.

On one hand this is to be embraced. For too long the land has been an eyesore that hardly does a tourist destination any favours, being so prominently positioned on the inner ring road.

But it’s also opposite the Bar Walls, one of the main attractions that brings in those visitors, so care should be taken to adopt a design that is in keeping with this historic neighbour.

Dublin-based Staycity, who will lease the aparthotel, tells us its aim is to provide travellers with a mid-market, cost effective and user-friendly alternative to standard hotel rooms.

With tourist chiefs calling for a more diverse mix of accommodation in York, this could be just what the city needs.

Then there is the good news on jobs, 150 of them during construction and up to 60 permanent positions when the aparthotel opens, hopefully most of them going to local residents.

Another plus is the announcement that long delayed apartments, elsewhere on the site, finally look set to come to fruition this year.

Perhaps the most optimistic view of both projects is that they are further signs of growing confidence in York’s economy and its housing market.

This city weathered the recession better than most. Developments such as these give hope for a strong future.