INVESTMENT and development company The Helmsley Group of York is celebrating a double success, after winning two categories of the inaugural York Design Awards.

The Merchant Exchange development, set on the River Ouse, won the Best Mixed Use category and the Ouse Acres complex, off Boroughbridge Road in York, has been named Best Commercial Scheme.

Initiated by the former Lord Mayor of York, Janet Hopton, the awards attracted more than 41 entries which were judged by an independent panel looking for expertise in architecture, planning, sustainability and conservation, with criteria including sustainability issues, landscaping, layout and context.

A "delighted" Ian McAndrew, Helmsley associate director, said: "It is really encouraging that good design and architecture is being acknowledged in such an historic city.

"The judges were impressed with our Ouse Acres development because it offers small businesses the opportunity to own, rather than rent, their workspace, which has a positive impact on York's economy. They also liked the practical yet appealing design which includes curved roofs and canopies over the entrances."

Helmsley is addressing the growing trend for businesses to own workspace in the area, by developing Sigma, a 39,000sq ft speculative development of up to six offices at Monks Cross North business park on the York outer ring road.

It was also developing the energy-efficient York Eco Business Centre for the City of York Council, which will provide workspace for start up businesses, and Welburn Park, just off the A64 near Castle Howard, a small rural site providing individual offices for people who want to own their own premises.