A FAST-EXPANDING North Yorkshire construction firm has been given the go-ahead to start work on a £10 million mixed development scheme on the former rolling mills site at Neepsend in Sheffield.

Planners have approved the scheme by S Harrison Developments Ltd, of Malton, to build a total of 68 new homes and provide retail and office accommodation.

The project includes the restoration and conversion of the Merment complex and the former Cardigan pub into quality private apartments.

Harrison Construction Ltd, headed up by chairman Martyn Harrison, whose father established the business more than 50 years ago, has already begun work with Derwent Housing to build private homes for rent on another part of the Neepsend site.

The first two apartment blocks for Derwent Housing are scheduled for completion in the spring.

Chris Hale, of Harrison's, said: "This latest development will bring much needed new homes for the city and retain the area's employment heritage, with the inclusion of commercial offices and retail units in the mixed scheme."

Harrison is behind many high-profile developments in York and North Yorkshire, including Meridian 2, the office block off Blossom Street, York, which is set to become the new HQ for Jarvis; and continuing work on the science park expansion at the University of York. But the Neepsend scheme is one of a number of Sheffield projects for the development and construction company which is also redeveloping the former Yorkshire Water site in Crookes to provide new homes and community sports facilities, which will be managed by Sheffield United.

As part of that deal, Harrison is providing a new pavilion and function hall to the Crookes community.

Harrison is also seeking other development sites across South Yorkshire.

"As a result of the projects we have in the pipeline, there are excellent new job opportunities for construction and development professionals in the city," said Mr Hale.

Updated: 09:40 Friday, January 07, 2005