PLANS to convert one of York's most historic landmark buildings into a plush £1 million home are moving forward with the start of flood protection work.

Property investment and development company The Helmsley Group of Pocklington acquired Lendal Tower, a 14th century water tower on the banks of the River Ouse, to turn it into a three-bedroom, three-storey home.

Lendal Hill House, next door to the tower which was previously used as offices, is being converted into two executive homes, each with a garden.

Helmsley has appointed York-based civil engineers Moor Lane Construction to complete the flood protection work.

This involves installing flood barriers between Lendal Bridge and Lendal Tower, and also tanking the tower's cellars with a waterproof membrane before filling and sealing them with concrete.

The cellars were historically used to store water from the river when the tower supplied the city with its water in the 17th century.

Ian McAndrew, an associate director at The Helmsley Group, said: "Lendal Tower and the adjacent properties have stood empty for a considerable time and have fallen into a poor state of repair.

"We are committed to undertaking the huge amount of work and investment required to ensure the Grade I and Grade II listed properties enjoy a more useful and sustainable future.

"The flood protection work is an important stage of the development and will protect the buildings for the future."

Updated: 10:45 Wednesday, December 07, 2005