FOR SALE: Two buildings on nearly an acre of riverside land in York right on the flood plain.

The City of York Council is calling for expressions of interest in what was the former Parkside Commercial Centre in Terry Avenue.

Most of the 20 start-ups and small businesses once housed there have now moved out, and the slack has been taken up by the sleek new council-built premises at the Eco-Business Centre in Clifton Moor.

Originally the council had hopes of using the Parkside Centre to build housing, but the Environment Agency designated the Ouse-side land as being in the flood plain.

But, said Paul Fox, a property surveyor for the City of York Council, there was still potential to refurbish or redevelop the two buildings which consist of 19,000 sq ft.

The site has planning consent for light industrial and office use, but with further permission could be considered for a leisure development, parking, a pub/restaurant, storage or even marine use, such as boat repairs.

Another advantage is that any buyer would get vacant possession. The present tenants are on non-renewable short term leases which expire at the end of October.

They are Bike Rescue, which is interested in making a possible bid but will have to move out if unsuccessful.

The firm which recycles bicycle parts donated and recovered from the James Street recycling depot, will be running the Lendal Bridge hub station, the council’s facility to securely store cycles, but it needs more than that former electrical sub station in Wellington Row to operate.

Also at Parkside is jeweller Ian Clewes who has decided to remain there as long as possible in order to find a suitable alternative home.

Mr Fox said: “We have already had half a dozen emails requesting more information. These people have been directed to our website, www.york.gov.uk

And we have shown representatives of the Helmsley Group of Monks Cross around it. They were involved in the development of the awardwinning Eco-Business Centre.

“The caravan club adjoining it is also interested in possibly buying. They want to demolish the buildings and extend their highly successful all-year-round caravan park, although that will require planning permission.

“Many are tempted by the fact that we put a suspended concrete floor in the buildings in 1984 and since then the interior has never flooded although floodwater has engulfed it.

“It is in a very attractive area within walking distance of the city centre and a wonderfully beautiful river frontage as well easy access to Fulford, via the Millennium Bridge.”

It was difficult to assess exactly how much investors would be prepared to pay for the site “which is why we have not put a figure on it and why we are conducting an informal tender with expressions of interest which need to be in by noon on July 15,” he said.

Applicants should contact the Property Services, City Finance Centre, PO Box 31, Library Square, York YO1 7DU.

The highest bid with the best prospect of receiving planning permission wins.