THERE was always something very special about Terry’s.

Generations of York families worked there: and the great brick factory, with its iconic clock tower, held a special place in the hearts of local people.

Then, in September 2005, it closed.

It was a gut-wrenching blow for York – and especially for the firm’s employees, many of whom had parents and even grandparents who had worked lived there.

The hope always was, however, that out of the ashes of this once-proud chocolate factory, a new development would rise: a mixture of housing, office and hotel space that would provide much-needed jobs and homes.

It has taken longer than expected, thanks in part to the recession.

But as we report on our centre pages today, work is now well under way on redeveloping the northern end of the Terry’s site, which once housed tin-roofed warehouses and storage sheds.

Ultimately, David Wilson Homes plans to create a smart estate of more than 300 flats and three- and four-bed homes here.

Henry Boot meanwhile, which owns the southern part of the site, including the listed factory buildings and clock tower, is expected to start work in the autumn.

The factory building could be turned into 157 flats, while the two-storey brick building on Bishopthorpe Road may become a hotel.

It is a huge relief to see real progress being made at last on this important site.

It lay derelict for far too long.

There couldn’t be a better sign that we are finally beginning to put the recession behind us than to see the diggers and earth-movers getting to work.