20,000 sq ft of new office space set to be launched in York

20,000 sq ft of new office space is set to be released in York due to the the redevelopment of Arabesque House on Monks Cross.

Tom Sykes, group asset manager at The Helmsley Group, which owns the property, said: “Companies wanting to expand or relocate to York are struggling to find enough modern offices.

“York’s heritage means we have a plethora of old buildings, yet most aren’t suitable for modern offices. This means that many growing firms are looking having to look at the out of town business parks such as York Science Park, Monks Cross, or to Clifton Moor where there are good parking provisions and access to the city centre.

Tom added: “The Local Plan was published this year and my fear is that not enough land is being allocated to commercial development. This would attract more major employers and keep our existing businesses and their staff here. It’s essential that our city provides enough land for new office buildings and companies to be able to flourish and grow in York.”

The Helmsley Group, which owns syndicated property on behalf of investors, has many properties that have already been converted into residential.

Tom continued: “Several York based companies have approached us as they look to grow their businesses in the city. They are looking for suitable space with good services and not too much traffic, which at the moment exists only outside the city walls.

“We have a commercial office building at Monks Cross - Arabesque House - which could be ready within a few months for a local employer looking for a larger space and modern office, yet this is one of the few available at present.

“As a group we’ve invested over £20m in York office space in the last few years, however this is mostly full and businesses need even more.”

Matthew Tootell, director at property agency Bowcliffe, commented: “There’s a real lack of quality office space in York and certainly none with excellent parking provisions and amenities, so the refurbishment of Arabesque House on Monks Cross will create an excellent opportunity for businesses to relocate.”

“Local firms want to expand and stay in York, though many currently don’t have the opportunity due to a lack of suitable space.

“York Central is planned and there are more plans at Piccadilly, yet these developments will be a few years in the making and at the moment there’s no availability for good quality offices in the city walls.”