HOMES being built on the old fire station in York are almost complete.

The site on Clifford Street across the road from Clifford's Tower and bordering the Ouse was sold to developers in 2014 and work began in earnest in 2017 to demolish the bulk of the former station building paving the way for new homes and a restaurant.

Speaking when demolition work began, developer John Reeves, of the Helmsley Group, said that seven houses and seven apartments would be created on the site which would face either the river or Clifford’s Tower.

There will also be a Continental-style restaurant, with forecourt seating, again looking over the tower.

He said: “We have kept the fireman’s pole and want to incorporate it into the design,” he said.

“We are also considering some public street sculpture to commemorate the old use as a fire station.”

Firefighters are now based at a new fire station in Kent Street.

Fire chiefs originally intended to revamp and downgrade the Clifford Street station, based at a former chapel, and build a new one in Hull Road, but those plans were abandoned after negotiations to buy a site in Hull Road fell through.

Before the closure of the old station then City of York councillor Ken King said: “The old fire station is not fit for purpose.

"It has no training facilities and some people are literally working out of cupboards.”

Estate agent Carter Jonas is already marketing homes in the former landmark with prices starting at £675,000.

On their website they say: 'This exceptional development of one of York's most famous sites will deliver seven exceptional apartments (with unrivalled views of the iconic Clifford's Tower) and seven stunning town houses; three showcasing the gothic history of the former Trinity Chapel on Peckitt Street, and four substantial brand new houses on Esplanade with southerly views across the River Ouse.'

The homes are due to be finished early this year.

GALLERY: Clifford Street, 1902, and other old photos of York