REVOLUTIONARY new website technology is being used to market the £3 million Rudgate Business Park at Thorp Arch, near Wetherby.

The system is said to allow busy executives the opportunity to do "armchair shopping" when it comes to buying commercial property.

Using the system, already four out of the six planned offices have been sold, even while the site still under construction and due for completion in July.

From the comfort of home or office, purchasers can see all aspects of the property, including live footage of its construction in progress.

It is the brainchild of North Yorkshire entrepreneur Kevin Doyle, owner of the six-office Rudgate Business Park development, who is now based in Switzerland.

He successfully manages his UK-based companies from overseas using technology and realised this "long distance" approach could benefit business people.

Seeing and deciding on screen is the property will be purchased in the future, he believes.

Mr Doyle said: "If a company wants to relocate the traditional method involves calling around agents, having piles of brochures delivered, making shortlists, then visiting the sites - in new build cases, some are no more than a field with a set of architect's plans.

"By logging on to our website - www.rudgatepark.co.uk - interested parties can visit a computer generated model of the site, download a brochure and follow the construction process live, with 30 second updates via a webcam, 24 hours a day. Through links we've set up with a major bank, the financial viability of the premises can be assessed for a buyer's particular circumstances with monthly mortgage payments calculated on line."

Mr Doyle also owns residential properties overseas and his UK interests include an industrial park near Thirsk plus commercial rentals and new developments in Leeds and Sheffield.

Updated: 09:47 Friday, May 07, 2004