THE owners of a landmark Teesside building have taken on a Feng Shui consultant to ensure they are offering prospective tenants ideal working conditions for their business.

The Chinese art of Feng Shui is utilised by companies to help achieve a harmonious and healthy working environment, boosting staff morale and increasing productivity.

Christine Martin, from Feng Shui North-East, visited Centre North-East in Middlesbrough to survey the property and surrounding environment to assess its positive and negative energy aspects.

Particular attention was paid to an area of the building currently undergoing conversion as a relaxation zone, where stressed out employees can go for a few minutes peace and quiet, in a tranquil and calming atmosphere.

It is also planned to set aside the room for practitioners of alternative therapies, such as yoga and aromatherapy, can offer their services to the buildings occupants.

The 18-storey glass fronted building, the tallest office complex in the region, has recently undergone extensive refurbishment at a cost of £4m. Christine said: "The principles of Feng Shui can be applied to large buildings such as Centre North-East, or to an individual office.

"One of our aims is to offer suggestions that can help ensure the health and comfort of people working within the offices as well as making the building attractive to existing and prospective tenants."

John Orchard, director of Marchday, owners of Centre North-East, said: "The commercial property market is very competitive and we need to be open and responsive to any ideas that could enhance Centre North-East as a location for new and existing companies to consider.

"We are particularly keen to attract the call centre market, many of whom are aware of the benefits of Feng Shui to their staff. "We are awaiting the arrival of Christine's report with interest and will then consider how best to implement her suggestions."