BUILDING work has started on a £1.6 million office development at a Ripon business park.

Design build and development company Severfield-Reeve Projects is building the first of two office blocks at Ripon Business Park, Boroughbridge Road, for the developer, Canalside Developments.

The first 10,000sq ft, two-storey office development was the latest stage in the creation of the 11-acre business park.

The development is close to the A1 and eight business starter units were leased to local enterprises before completion last year.

David Lupton, of Canalside Developments, said: "We are delighted that Ripon Business Park is progressing to a new stage with this office development. We are very pleased with the continuing design- build expertise of Severfield-Reeve Projects."

Matthew Tootell, an associate with commercial property agents Savills, York, who is leasing the new offices, said: "The offices are high specification and will offer a valuable opportunity for any type of businesses who wish to become part of a dynamic new business community."

Thirsk-based Severfeld-Reeve Projects has been involved with the development of Ripon Business Park, the first new commercial and industrial development in Ripon for 20 years, from its planning stages more than three years ago.

Updated: 12:12 Thursday, May 26, 2005