WORK is underway on a £4.7 million scheme to create 63 student apartments in former offices in York's city centre.

The development in George Hudson Street will see new life brought to the Grade II listed building, which has been vacant since City of York Council moved staff from the site to its new West Offices headquarters in 2013.

Amenities for the 13,953 sq ft development, which is due for completion in time for the new academic year in September, are set to include a gym, a cinema room and on-site laundry facilities.

York Press: An image of interior plans for Rathmell Hall (55725512)

Developers Forshaw Land and Property Group are working with Knight Knox, a provider to buy-to-let developments to private investors, on the scheme which is being called Rathmell Hall.

Construction by Colbre Projects has been underway since January, with PRIMO Property Management signed up to let and manage the apartments.

The development, which was granted planning permission in March last year, joins a long list of land being developed for student accommodation York including the Vita Student Village, on the former convent in Lawrence Street, the established Boulevard student development in Hull Road and the York St John University housing in Navigation Road.

Student Castle in Walmgate, Foss Studios in Lawrence Street and the old Reg Vardy garage site in Lawrence Street have also recently been developed for student housing, while York-based developer S Harrison has recently had their plans approved to turn the former Lawrence Street Working Men’s Club into 115-bed student accommodation.

However Michael Fenlon, sales director at Knight Knox, states Rathmell Hall has been designed to meet a need for student accommodation in the city.

He said: "There’s a huge demand for student accommodation in York, but very few developments launching.

"Knight Knox is set to help fulfil this requirement with the launch of Rathmell Hall and I’ve no doubt it will be extremely well received – especially by the more discerning student who favours the more boutique style of living.

"Being so close to the city centre and with all the high-spec amenities that today’s students are looking for, Rathmell Hall is a development we’re really proud of and that we’re certain will appeal to investors and tenants alike."

Glenn Forshaw, director at Forshaw Land and Property Group, said: "This scheme has been designed with the future residents in mind. The units benefit from high-end appliances, quality fixtures and fittings and an overall contemporary design – we can’t wait to see the finished result later in the year.

"It’s the ideal development to mark the milestone of our 10th student development with Knight Knox and we look forward to continuing to work together in future."