IT has been the focus of York's railway industry for more than a century.

Now a piece of the city's history is set to be sold - in a deal expected to be worth more than £11 million.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has announced it is to sell Station Rise, the main railway headquarters at Station Road, in York.

Both the headquarters building and the West Offices opposite, which house about 1,000 people in total, are soon to have new owners, with a deal expected to be confirmed at the end of next month.

Dating from the turn of the century, construction on the striking Station Rise started in 1900 and took six years to complete.

It houses marble floors, Roman-style mosaic and was built using the finest materials as a "reflection of the railway companies' commitment to the region".

The agent that has been handling the sale, Knight Frank, of Leeds, asked for offers in excess of £6.25 million.

The West Office comprises the former York Railway Station, which was converted into offices after the new station opened in 1877.

It is Grade II listed and dates from the mid-19th century and was valued at more than £4.75 million.

Station Rise is home to more than a dozen tenants, including train giants Northern Rail and East Coast Main Line operator GNER.

But while the SRA will be handing the building on, GNER today confirmed it would be remaining in the ornate and attractive building.

The company can automatically renew its lease, which expires at the end of the year, because it is "protected" and can only be nullified if the company failed to keep to its terms.

Andrew Hedley, commercial property expert at York agents, Blacks, said: "York is always an investment favourite and property will attract attention from all over the country.

"I would anticipate that there were numerous bids. It is a management intensive property and is a prominent York building.

"There will be plenty of people in the country who want to say they own a piece of York, and especially a piece like this."

An SRA spokesman confirmed that the building was for sale, and was currently under offer. He said: "Station Rise is up for sale and is currently under offer. With regards to tenants, it is up to the new owners. We expect this process will be completed by the end of April."

A GNER spokesman said: "We intend to renew in a protected leasing arrangement. York is our headquarters and will remain so."

Updated: 10:25 Wednesday, March 30, 2005