CONVERSION of a group of Victorian buildings in Richmond town centre to business units should be completed by August.

Work started on the former church, parish rooms and infant school in Dundas Street at the beginning of February and the property, owned by Zetland Estates, will be turned into four business suites, two of which are already let. The contractors are Richmond company Randall Orchard Construction.

The first two suites, created from the parish rooms and the former infant school, have been leased by The City Secret, a business finance software firm at present in Richmond Market Place.

The remaining units will comprise the old church, offering 1,640 sq ft plus a mezzanine floor if required, and the hall, with 800 sq ft.

The development, to be named Zetland Square, also includes ten car parking spaces and cycle racks.

Zetland Estates leased the land long-term to the church, which closed several years ago and was formerly used by Richmond amateur dramatics society for storage.

The school building was used by the Citizens' Advice Bureau until its move to Newbiggin, and there was a nursery at the premises until a few years ago.

Building work has uncovered the original date stone from 1863, which has been incorporated in an entrance porch.

"Work is going very well and should be finished in July or August," said Zetland estates marketing manager, Phil Upton. "The suites will be very plush and very attractive. One tenant has signed up to take suites one and two and there has been some interest in the other suites."

The success of business units created at Lord Zetland's Aske estate, near Richmond, had led to interest in the town centre development. The former stables block and riding school at Aske were filled as soon as they were complete, although a few units are available again. A caf bistro is to be developed next year for people working in the units and a squash club has been provided.