A TRAIN operator has signalled its firm commitment to York by bringing together 250 employees under one roof, following a multi-million pound facelift of its new base.

Northern Rail staff are celebrating the opening of their new support offices on four floors in the newly-refurbished and renamed Northern House, in Rougier Street.

Formerly known as Blackfriars House, the building was originally built in the 1960s and was occupied by Leedhams Garage, on the ground floor, and British Telecom, on the upper floors.

After a £3.5 million facelift, it now provides top-quality office space in the city centre.

The staff who work in Northern's support functions, such as safety, performance, engineering and human resources, were previously based at Main Headquarters in Station Rise.

Heidi Mottram, Northern Rail managing director, said: "Northern House provides modern facilities and an open-plan layout that delivers real improvements to the working environment of our employees who support our frontline teams.

"At a time of uncertainty in the local job market, this move also signals our continued commitment to York."

The old Blackfriars House was stripped to its shell and underwent a complete overhaul.

The offices feature large open-plan floors, high-quality finishes including comfort cooling and air conditioning, and on-site car parking with 90 covered cycle bays.

Richard Wood, of developers Oakgate, said: "These are superb offices. We are delighted Northern Rail has moved into Northern House.

"We are delighted Northern Rail have moved into the renamed Northern House. They have relocated from the nearby West Offices and Main Headquarters, in Station Rise, and it is fitting they remain committed to an historic railway city like York.

"There has been huge interest in the rest of Northern House, and it is now fully let.

"Quality office space in York city centre is at a premium and the 19,000 sq ft ground floor provides one of the city's largest floor plates."

Denise Stuart, chief executive of york-england.com, who helped to officially open the offices, said: "It is excellent news for the city that Northern Rail is moving into Northern House.

"By keeping its headquarters in York, 250 jobs are retained here."

Tim Smith, of Steadman Brierley, who overseas the renegotiation of leases for Main Headquarters' owners York Investors LLP, said: "We are planning to carry out extensive work to refurbish the building internally, and make it available on the market next year.

"We are talking to some parties already."