A ONCE-derelict and overgrown city centre site has been transformed into a £500,000 housing development.

Sanctuary Court, in Skellgarths, Ripon, which is providing much-needed affordable homes, was opened yesterday, four years after work on the project began.

The development provides low-cost homes for rent for single people and couples, and includes two flats providing supported housing for young people leaving care.

Harrogate Borough Council, North Yorkshire County Council, Sanctuary Housing Association and the Housing Corporation have worked together on the project.

The site, which lies in the city's conservation area, was previously owned by the county council.

It was first identified as having potential for affordable housing in 1999 and was then offered to Sanctuary Housing Association.

The project ran into difficulties when work was needed to stabilise the boundary wall, which meant an archaeological survey had to be carried out.

Councillor Jean Butterfield, the borough council's cabinet member for housing, said: "Sanctuary Court is a wonderful development, providing some very nice city centre accommodation at affordable rents in an area of high demand.

"It brings the total of afford-able homes completed in the district in the past five years to 643, with a further 68 under way."

Coun Butterfield added: "The Skellgarths development has regenerated a prominent, yet derelict site in the city's conservation area, which was identified for environmental improvement within the Harrogate District Local Plan.

"But its development into two smart apartment blocks was not always straightforward, due largely to its restricted nature.

"The need for an archaeological survey, high specifications for elevations and boundary treatments, and works to stabilise the boundary wall, all added to the scheme cost.

"But, overall, its development is testimony to the very real benefits that can be achieved through partnership working."

Mayor of Harrogate Margaret-Ann de Courcey-Bayley carried out the opening ceremony yesterday morning.

Nominations for the remaining six properties will come from the borough council's housing waiting list.