What has been described as "one of the most exciting developments of the decade" in the York area now has a name, as well as a mission. But not yet planning consent. The consortium backing it is crossing fingers...

A £50million scheme at Monks Cross on the outskirts of York on which a consortium of businessmen and landowners are pinning hopes as "one of the most exciting developments of the decade" is to be called Vanguard, the York Business Quarter.

The name was announced after the York-based consortium lodged an outline plan with the City of York Council for what they say will generate 5,000 sustainable jobs - namely 450,000 square ft of offices on a 26-acre site to the south of Monks Cross retail park and the Huntington Stadium.

The site contains an area earmarked by the council as its preferred park-and-ride location for the Malton Road corridor of York, and a recent public consultation exercise has heavily endorsed the council's choice with four fifths of 3,800 respondents agreeing.

If the Vanguard plan gets the go-ahead from the City of York Council by the New Year, then the offices could be available for letting by the end of 2002.

Applicants say that their proposal would build on the success of York's scientists, food technologists and hi-tech businesses, providing high-quality accommodation in secure, supported surroundings. It will also accommodate commercial inward investment and relocation of expanding existing York businesses. Vanguard will incorporate:

Purpose-built accommodation with a selection of sites

Design and build options to suit specialist requirements and

Flexible freehold or leasehold packages

Supporters of the scheme argue that it will be carefully laid out to minimise its impact on the environment with a high-quality campus style development, comprehensive support infrastructure, landscaped environment, incorporating a water feature, dedicated car parking and low energy accommodation. Where possible, the use of renewable materials will be promoted in the architecture , harmonising with York's objective to become an Energy City.

After talks with the City of York Council, the project team produced a comprehensive environmental assessment on traffic generation, noise and air pollution.

Ecological and archaeological studies have been undertaken and, say the team, a full-scale landscape appraisal has demonstrated that the development will not prejudice the rural setting of the city, distant views of the Minster and the green wedges formed by the ancient strays.

York businessman Richard Wood, the man behind the group that built the DEFRA headquarters building at King's Pool, York, is a key player in the consortium, Oakgate Group Plc. Also involved in the consortium are businessmen Richard France and David Sherry and architect Jim Downes.

Mr Wood said: "Quality office sites are desperately needed, otherwise York will just stagnate and there will be very little inward investment. This project, which has been planned for more than five years, is a real opportunity to prove our credentials as a science city to the world and will also help to relieve the pressure on growing scientific ventures which have nowhere to grow or go - except out of York.

"Hi-tech developments like ours are absolutely crucial for the economic health of York. A development, fully serviced with the latest communications technology on an eminently accessible site close to the Monks Cross facilities would be a massive coup for the city.

"Vanguard projects York forward as a prime option for corporate headquarters or business resettlement. We estimate that this venture could create up to 5,000 jobs, provide much-needed quality office space and attract prestigious firms at the cutting edge of legal and financial services, science and technology,"

The joint agents for Vanguard are Kings Sturge of Leeds and Lawrence, Hannah and Skelton of Blossom Street, York.