A COMMERCIAL development has opened which combines 19th Century architecture with contemporary design.

Building firm newroc, based in Richmond, North Yorkshire, had to change the renovation schedule of Church House, in Stokesley, so that its tenants, stockbrokers Redmayne- Bentley, could move in early.

The rest of the project is complete, so the search is on for more tenants.

Church House, in College Square, was unused for many years before undergoing a major renovation by newroc, heritage building specialists.

Redmayne-Bentley agreed to take the second floor and moved in before the development was even completed.

The original building dates from 1834 with an extension added in 1910. Features from its days as a Sunday school have been retained.

Mike Devereux, whose family has owned the property for many years, said: “We were determined to offer businesses high-quality work spaces and to reinvigorate this end of the town.”