OAKGATE, the North Yorkshire property developers involved in a number of high profile York projects, has appointed Nigel Friskney as acquisitions director.

Mr Friskney, 31, of Harrogate, was formerly head of retail with Jones, Lang Lasalle, in Leeds, for eight years.

Oakgate is involved in major office schemes in York such as the Vangard business park at Monks Cross, Huntington, the refurbishment of Blackfriars House in Rougier Street and Tanner Row car park in George Hudson Street.

Now Mr Friskney will be involved in any retail acquisitions in York and beyond.

John Grantham, chief executive of Oakgate, said: "This is a very significant appointment for Oakgate. We have been looking for someone to fulfil the crucial role of acquisitions director for some time, and we were just waiting for the right person to come along."

Updated: 10:17 Tuesday, January 03, 2006