Revamp with green theme at former chocolate works

The offices, which have been the headquarters of S Harrison Developments since 2007, are being revamped to make them more environmentally friendly.

When completed the office – renamed Stanley Harrison House – will include solar-powered water and be largely energy self-sufficient.

The Harrison team has also devised green travel plans to minimise the traffic impact of the offices.

Martyn Harrison, the company's chairman, said: "We really do believe that this project provides the benchmark for sustainable development for the city.

"We have demonstrated that older listed buildings can be returned to effective environmentally sustainable use."

Tolent Construction has been appointed to carry out the building work which is expected to be completed by this September.

The Harrison team will move from its temporary accommodation on the ground floor to a new third storey in the autumn. An announcement about the building's other occupants is expected shortly.

Harrison forms half of York Investors, the team which will deliver the new City of York Council HQ at West Offices. York Investors also plans to build a 10m hotel on Toft Green in York.

The company has been involved in a number of major developments in the city – including work at the University Science Park, the regeneration of Merchant Exchange and the revitalisation of Tedder Road.