A NEW commercial development has opened in the heart of Stokesley which combines 19th-century architecture with contemporary design.

Richmond-based building firm, newroc, had to totally change the renovation schedule so that first tenants, stockbrokers Redmayne-Bentley could move in early.

Now the rest of the project is complete and the search is on for new neighbours.

Church House on College Square was unused for many years before undergoing an extensive renovation by newroc, heritage building specialists.

Redmayne-Bentley agreed to take the whole of the second floor and moved in before the development was even completed.

The original building dates from 1834 with an extension added in 1910 and historic features from its days as a Sunday school have been retained.

Mike Devereux, whose family has owned the property for many years, said: "We were determined to offer businesses high-quality work spaces and to re-invigorate this end of the town."

Neil Burniston, investment manager at Redmayne-Bentley, said: "The builders really pulled out the stops to get us in early and we’re loving being in Church House.

"The renovation has been done beautifully; it has everything we need and is a great environment to work in. We’re looking forward to new neighbours bringing even more life to the building, which is a fabulous piece of history in the heart of Stokesley."