TWO major job-creating ventures taking place at the opposite ends of York are bearing fruit. The final phase of a job-spinning programme has begun at York Science Park in the east and new offices are about to arise on the former RR Donnelly site in the west. RON GODFREY reports.

THE Helmsley Group, the York property investment company, has begun work on developing Isis, four office blocks at Ouse Acres, the former R & R Donnelly printing works off Boroughbridge Road, York.

It is a response to a growing trend for small businesses to buy rather than rent their work-space

Due for completion in the summer, the development of the two-storey office buildings of between 1,000 and 1,250 sq ft each, will help meet demand from small owner managed businesses to buy short-supply office space in the area.

York surveyors Lawrence Hannah and Skelton and Lightly and Lightly are both advising the Helmsley Group.

The four high-spec units will include under-floor trunking, feature glazed areas, platform lift and suspended ceilings.

Twelve industrial units also being developed at Ouse Acres have already all been pre-sold. The 22,000 sq ft Pyramid scheme consists of quality, single storey industrial units between 1,100 and 6,000 sq ft in size and will also be ready for occupation in the summer.

The Helmsley Group, as part of the Monks Cross Partnership, is also developing Omega, a £1 million development of six offices providing accommodation of 1,380 sq ft and 1,580 sq ft at Monks Cross North business park on the York outer ring road.

Unusual for this size of premises, lifts and comfort cooling are included.

Extra features include broadband connectivity, carpeted raised floors, tinted double glazed opening windows, feature reception areas, suspended ceilings with modular lighting, and dedicated car parking.

Ian McAndrew, Helmsley's associate director, said that Isis and Omega represented good buying opportunities for small owner-managed businesses and for investment into personal pension funds, particularly at a time of favourable interest rates.

He said: "The fact that the Pyramid scheme has sold even before it has been built is excellent news for the York economy and the business community."

The Helmsley Group is behind a number of prestigious office developments in York, including the £60 million Monks Cross North business park on York's north east ring road, the development of the CPP building at Holgate Park, as well as offices at Clifton Park.

Updated: 10:59 Thursday, April 28, 2005