A NEW £3m business centre near Harrogate is using a unique design style to create a 42-metre high glass pyramid with open stainless steel spire.

Work is now well under way and the spire at Hornbeam Park is already in place on the building.

The centre has been designed by Stokesley-based P+HS Architects and has already attracted a lot of interest.

Adrian Taylor, an associate of the company, said their brief had been to create a landmark building. "I am confident it will become one of the most recognisable buildings in the North of England," he said.

"The innovative design style is unlike anything that has been done before and is already generating lots of interest and attracting blue chip tenants from across the country."

The business centre itself will contain about 18,000sq ft of office space, spread over four floors, and underground parking. Houseman and Fallshaw, the main contractor working on the project, expects work to be completed during the first quarter of 2004.

As well as being eye-catching, the development has been designed to be as energy efficient as possible. High-quality, double-glazed solar control glass is to be used within a structural silicone glazing system which reflects heat and glare during the summer months; a heat recovery system with insulated spandrels significantly reduces heat loss in winter.

In addition to this, the extensive glazing, together with a glazed roof over the central staircase, provides a flood of natural light.

P+HS was established in 1983 and has offices in Stokesley and Leeds. The company has 30 employees working for a wide range of clients throughout the North of England, Yorkshire and the Midlands.