A PARTNER in the Hungate development has been given the go-ahead to buy council land to build a new office building across the road from the Hungate site.

City of York Council executive has agreed to sell its controlling interest in a former garage site at 13 The Stonebow to Evans Developers of Leeds.

Evans, one of three partners in the Hungate scheme, acquired leasehold interest for the site from its former owners and has received planning permission from the council for the office development.

Now executive members have agreed to sell the freehold interest the firm is expected to go ahead with building the office block as soon as possible.

The site has previously been home to a petrol filling station and second-hand car dealership.

The sale of the freehold on the site was supported by council officers, describing the site as a poor rental performer with the value of the site increasing if the sale went ahead. It was also seen as a kick-start to the redevelopment and regeneration of the area.

"Additional benefits arising from the sale include that the site will be developed starting what will probably be the complete regeneration of Hungate area," said a council spokesman.

The sale was backed by councillors who saw it as likely to have a positive effect on the environment of the city centre.

"The sale will obviously help our financial situation," said council leader Steve Galloway.

The decision comes a week after the Evening Press revealed that the decision on the main Hungate site was likely to be delayed until February. Then developers were keen to see a decision on the site as soon as possible.

Phil Darcy, managing director of lead partner Crosby Homes, said: "Through the community planning process and the subsequent public exhibition that we held in January, it became clear that the vast majority of local people were in favour of the proposals that we have put forward for creation of a new urban neighbourhood, and they are keen to see an early start on regeneration of the Hungate area."

Updated: 13:57 Wednesday, October 08, 2003