BUILDING work has started on a new office development at a North Yorkshire business park.

The first of two office blocks is being built at the Ripon Business Park in a contract worth £1.6m.

Thirsk company, Severfield-Reeve Projects, is building the offices for developer, Canalside Developments (Yorkshire) Limited.

The first 10,000sq ft, two-storey block is the latest stage in the creation of the 11-acre business park, close to the A1, where eight business starter units were leased to local enterprises before completion last year.

To be completed in July, it will be available on flexible leases and will offer internal space ranging from 1,000sq ft up to 8,000sq ft for a single occupier.

The leasing of the offices is being handled by York agents Savills. Its spokesman Matthew Tootell said: "The offices are high specification and will offer a valuable opportunity for any type of businesses relocating within Ripon, the Harrogate district or further afield who wish to become part of a dynamic new business community."

Severfield-Reeve Projects has been involved with the development of Ripon Business Park - the first new commercial and industrial development in Ripon for 20 years - from its conception and planning stages more than three years ago.